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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Support.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

77 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if consideration has been given to the introduction of a parenting allowance to run parallel with child benefit as recommended by the Child Care 2000 group. [24761/02]

The Child Care 2000 Campaign made a submission to the Government in April 2000 which contained a number of proposals on child care. Among these, was a proposal for a parent's childcare payment – PCP – which would be paid to parents in respect of all children. The payment would be taxable and would be paid at a rate of €25.40 for children under five and €12.70 for children aged six to 14 years.

The Government's core objective is to provide support which will offer real choice to parents and will benefit all children. Child benefit has been identified as the key vehicle to achieve these aims and the Government is committed to substantially increase the level of resources made available for child benefit.

Since 2000, child benefit rates have risen by €63.64 per month for each of the first two children and €76.19 per month for the third child and subsequent children. Government spending on the scheme has risen to some €1.556 billion and is expected to reach €1.9 billion when the current programme of multi-annual increases is complete. The Minister for Finance will shortly announce details of the child benefit package for next year as part of his financial statement. The Government believes investment in the child benefit scheme is still the correct approach and represents the most effective use of the resources available.

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