Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
479. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding applications for child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13733/20]
View answerChild benefit is the main policy instrument for assisting families with the costs of raising children. It is a universal payment and is paid in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years, or to the age of 18 in respect of children who are in full-time education or who have a disability.
In order for payment to continue beyond the age of 16, proof of attendance at school or college is required and this is the case for all children, including those attending school elsewhere in Europe.
There are no conditions applying to Irish nationals over and above those applying to all child benefit recipients. For children aged under 16 it may be necessary on occasion to seek further information to establish residency, but again this applies to all customers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
