Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Dependant Allowance.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

12 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the payment of child dependent allowance for children who remain in full time education on reaching the age of 18 years to those in receipt of unemployment benefit, disability benefit, short term unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowance in view of the financial hardship caused to families on the discontinuation of this and in view of the fact that pay-related benefit no longer exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/94]

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Over a number of years I have progressively increased the age limit for payment of child dependant allowances to long-term social welfare recipients where the child remains in full-time education. In the case of pensions and other long-term payments, such allowances can now be paid up to the age of 21. In the case of short-term payments such as unemployment benefit and disability benefit, child dependant allowances have continued to be paid up to the age of 18. Any extension of this age limit would have financial implications and could only be considered in the light of available resources.