Vol. 455 No. 2
156 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to introduce an extra child benefit payment to the parents of twins, similar to that payable in the case of triplets and other multiple births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12002/95]
Child benefit is payable at double the normal rate in respect of each child, where three or more children are born together. A special once-off grant of £400 is also payable where four or more children are born together, £300 on the birth of triplets and £200 in respect of twins. These arrangements are designed to give recognition to the special nature of such births and the additional costs associated with them.
The Government is committed to improving the child benefit scheme and this year's budget increased the monthly rates of payment from £20 to £27 for each of the first two children and from £25 to £32 for the third and subsequent children. The benefit is also being extended to include 18 year olds who are in full-time education or are physically or mentally handicapped.
While I appreciate the view expressed by the Deputy, paying double rates of child benefit in respect of twins would have long term expenditure implications. The expenditure involved could not be undertaken this year, but I do intend to keep this question under review in the context of future budgets.
