Vol. 487 No. 2
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will give favourable consideration to the inclusion of twins under the legislation governing multiple births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3703/98]
The Deputy will be aware that the 1998 budget contains a range of enhancements to the child benefit scheme. First, it provides for increases in the rate of child benefit of £1.50 for the first two children and £3.00 for all subsequent children, to bring the monthly rates to £31.50 and £42 respectively.
Second, it provides for a new payment of 150 per cent of the normal child benefit rate for twins. In effect, where there are twins in a family, each child will receive one-and-a-half times the appropriate rate of child benefit.
Third, the budget provides for increases in the grants payable on the birth of three or more children to bring them into line with the existing payments arrangements for twins. Where three or more children are born together, a grant of £500 will be payable and where such children reach four and 12 years of age, further grants of £500 will also be payable. The necessary legislative provisions to give effect to these measures with effect from September of this year will be included in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill, 1998.
