Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
283. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons to date who have applied for paternity benefit; the number of persons who have received paternity benefit in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2568/17]
View answerThe paternity benefit scheme became operational on 1st September 2016. The number of claims received and awarded in the period 1 September to 11 January 2017 is set out in the table:
|
01/09/2016 – 11/01/2017 |
Received |
Awarded |
|
Paternity Benefit |
7,403 |
5,545 |
Based on the number of applications received to date the Department expects to receive around 20,000 applications for paternity benefit during 2017. The budget allocation in respect of paternity benefit for 2017 is €16m.
