Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
555 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans in place to assist mothers to stay in the workforce in view of the fact that it costs €1,400 per month to keep two children in child care and the steps he is taking to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2022/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social and Family Affairs administers a number of child income support measures, including child benefit. Child benefit delivers a standard rate of payment in respect of all children in a family, regardless of income levels or employment status. Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. It is not intended primarily to meet child care costs. However, the substantial increases in child benefit in recent years can make a significant contribution to meeting those costs. When budget 2005 rate increases are taken into account, monthly child benefit rates will be €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Monthly rates of child benefit will have increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate since 1997, increases of 272% and 258%, respectively. This level of increase is unprecedented and is in line with the Government's objective of improving income for children generally.
The question of specific support for the costs of child care is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform administers the equal opportunities child care programme under the national development plan.
