Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Child Benefit Eligibility.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

170 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students are now 19 before they leave school as a result of a six year cycle being introduced to post primary schools; if, as a consequence, he will raise the eligibility age of persons in full-time education to 19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [324/94]

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

In keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to increase child benefit over time in the context of the integration of the tax and social welfare systems, the rates of child benefit have been significantly increased during the past two years. The Social Welfare Act, 1994, provided for increases in the monthly rates from £20 to £25 for the third child and from £23 to £25 for subsequent children. In 1993, the rate payable for the first three children was increased to £20 representing an increase of over 26 per cent. The total cost of these improvements is £61.5 million in a full year.

At a recent conference on family income support organised by my Department as a contribution to the International Year of the Family, I announced the establishment of a committee under an independent chairperson to bring forward proposals for the future development of child benefit. There are many ways in which the scheme could be developed in the future including the payment of benefit beyond the present age of 18 in respect of those in full-time education. All of the options in this area will be examined by the committee and whatever proposals are brought forward will be considered in the lead up to the 1995 budget.