Vol. 409 No. 6
110 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will agree to have child benefit continued in the case of students over 18 years of age who are continuing in full-time second level education and if he will provide that such benefit be maintained until such students complete their second level course.
111 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that thousands of second level school going children are doing six years in second level education by taking either a transition year class or vocational preparation and training year which leaves them, very often, over 18 years of age which results in parents losing their child benefit entitlement; and if he will agree to correct this anomaly and allow the parents of all full-time school going children child benefit until their children finish their certificate or its equivalent.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
Child benefit which is paid monthly normally ceases to be paid when the qualified child reaches 16 years of age. However, where the child continues in full-time education, the payment may be paid up to 18 years of age. The question of continuing payment after age 18 where full-time education continues either at second level or otherwise would have cost implications which would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
