I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 293 together.
As with all social welfare schemes, it is necessary to ensure that child benefit is paid to all those who are eligible and that the system is protected against fraud and abuse. Given the significant changes in the composition of the child benefit customer base, the control policy was reviewed to ensure that controls against fraud and abuse continue to be effective and relevant. Based on the evidence of this review, enhanced measures have been devised, which enable the automated issue of forms (certificates) to sub-sets of selected groups of customers for completion and return to the Department to confirm that they continue to satisfy the conditions for receipt of child benefit.
In the case of non-Irish national recipients who are resident in Ireland with their children, certification is requested that the children continue to reside here — the proof of such residence can be provided via details of the school or college their children attend or, if the children are not of school-going age, details of the doctor or crèche they attend. This information is used to verify that the children are resident in Ireland, as required under law. This group includes the person to whom the Deputy refers.
With regard to EU nationals who are working in Ireland but who have qualified children living in another EU state and who are entitled to Irish family benefits under EU law, certification by their employer of continuing employment is requested. The certification letters currently issue on a three monthly basis. Where the required certification is not provided within the timescale requested, 21 days, payment of child benefit is suspended pending further enquiry and ultimately terminated if confirmation of continued entitlement is not forthcoming.
The frequency of these requests will be kept under review in the light of the evidence. PRSI contribution data are not available in as timely a way as would be required, as records are updated annually. In addition, in most cases child benefit is paid to the mother and there may not be a link with the father's PPS No. which would make matching very difficult.