Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
866. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of plans to extend child benefit for those continuing in secondary education but who have turned 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56614/23]
View answer868. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider expanding the child benefit scheme to children over the age of 18 years in education experiencing economic disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56643/23]
View answer872. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider expanding the child benefit scheme to children over the age of 18 years in school who are in receipt of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56659/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 866, 868 and 872 together.
The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024.
With many children now starting primary school at age 5, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education. I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future.
This is a significant change to the Child Benefit scheme which will require technical and operational changes to the social welfare system before implementation. Therefore, the change will take effect from September 2024. Where a child in full time education turns 18 in the meantime they will be covered by the extension from September 2024 until they turn 19.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
