Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of children aged one and two years of age, respectively, for which child benefit payments are made; the total and average costs of the payments; and the cost of the payments by each extra euro by which the benefit is raised. [24084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children up to their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability. Child Benefit is currently paid to 628,688 families in respect of some 1.2 million children, with an estimated expenditure of over €2 billion in 2018.
Child Benefit is paid at a rate of €140 per month for each child. For twins, Child Benefit is paid at one and a half times the normal monthly rate for each child. For triplets and other multiple births, Child Benefit is paid at double the normal monthly rate for each child.
Currently Child Benefit is paid in respect of 62,216 one year olds and 65,261 two year olds at a total annual estimated cost of €214.2 million.
A one euro increase per month for this cohort would cost in the region €1.5 million per year.
