Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Legislative Review.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1708 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review Statutory Instrument No. 265 of 2000 to allow proportional payments to both parents in view of the fact that divorce and separation are legally recognised by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16319/02]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan):

Child benefit is a payment which is made to one parent for the benefit of a child or children. The mother or stepmother has priority in determining which of the two parents is entitled to the benefit. Similar considerations apply in respect of other parties who have the care of children.

The scheme does not provide for splitting payments between parties with shared responsibilities for children. There can be a wide variety of such arrangements and attendant difficulties. The needs of the children are the priority consideration in the operation of the current child benefit arrangements. Payment is made to the party with whom the child resides for the greater part of the time. Child benefit is paid to the child's mother where there is joint custody. If there is any question that the mother does not use the money for the children's benefit the full amount is paid to the father subject, of course, to him using it for their benefit.

Any change in the current arrangements where people have shared responsibilities of one form or another could give rise to difficult issues. The variety of possible arrangements would add considerably to the complexity of the scheme. There are no plans for changes in this area in present circumstances.

Question No. 1709 answered with Question No. 1682.