I proposed to take Questions Nos. 361 to 364, inclusive, together. The total number of recipients of child benefit at 1 December 2007 was 587,943, in respect of 1,125,360 children. Of this total, 80,038 are non Irish national customers claiming in respect of 146,302 children. The number of recipients of child benefit at 1 December 2008 was 592,416 in respect of 1,136,192 children. Of these 92,744 are non Irish national customers claiming in respect of 169,135 children.
The Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The total number of customers in receipt of the Early Childcare Supplement, as of 1 December 2007 was 284,641, in respect of 382,182 eligible children. The figure at 1 December 2008 was 295,388, in respect of 398,667 eligible children.
A record of ECS payments, by nationality, is not maintained. However, as the receipt of ECS is dependent on Child Benefit being paid, it can be assumed that the percentage of non-nationals receiving the ECS payment is broadly in line with that receiving Child Benefit.