Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Support.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

217 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will give details of the situation whereby children being looked after by grandparents and other persons where their mother or father has left or are unable to cope are being dealt with and supported in different ways leading to perceived unfair treatment; his views on the regulations; if he will bring standardisation of treatment for children whose guardians currently receive (a) no allowance except child benefit, (b) £13.20 of unemployment benefit, (c) £51.60 for orphan's allowance and (d) fostering allowance from health boards; if orphan's allowance will be given where the mother is missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16723/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The range of child income supports provided under the social welfare system include child benefit, child dependant allowances, and the orphan's contributory allowance and orphan's (non-contributory) pension. In each case, provision exists for the award of these payments to the guardian of a child where the child's parents are not in a position to care for the child concerned.

Child benefit is normally paid to the child's mother or stepmother. If the child does not live with the mother or step-mother, then child benefit may be paid to the child's father or step-father who is living with and supporting the child. If the child is not living with or being maintained by the parents, then child benefit may be paid to the person who is looking after the child.

A child dependant allowance is payable as an increase in the payment rate in respect of a child aged up to 18 who is living with a person who is receiving a social welfare payment. Where a person is receiving a long-term social welfare payment, the child dependant allowance is payable where the child is in full-time education up to the age of 22 years, or up to the end of the academic year after the twenty-second birthday.

The orphan's contributory allowance is payable in cases where both parents are dead or where one parent is dead, unknown, has abandoned or refused or failed to the provide for the child and the other parent is unknown or has abandoned or has refused or failed to the provide for the child and the relevant PRSI insurance contribution conditions are satisfied. The payment is normally paid to the guardian of the child concerned.

The orphan's (non-contributory) pension may be paid for a child who is not entitled to an orphan's (contributory) allowance. In this case, the payment is subject to a means test. Again, the payment is normally payable to the guardian of the child concerned.

The conditions governing entitlement to foster care allowances are a matter for the Department of Health and Children.