Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
195. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the full cost analysis of increasing child benefit by €5 per child that was announced in budget 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40414/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a full cost analysis of restoring child benefit to children in secondary school education who are 18 years of age and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40415/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
The recent Budget provided for an increase in child benefit of €5 per month per child with effect from January next and this increase brings the monthly rate to €135. The rate payable in respect of each twin will continue to be one and a half times the normal monthly rate while families with multiple births will also continue to receive child benefit at double the normal rate. The estimated cost is €72 million in a full year in respect of some 1,171,700 children.
The estimated cost, based on Department of Education and Skills data in relation to full time second level participation at the beginning of 2013, of paying child benefit to families in respect of their 18 year old children in full-time second-level education is €42.5 million in a full year.
