Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
95. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale of determining qualified child increases of €2 for children aged under and over 12 years given the additional cost associated with older children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased that Budget 2023 included a Social Welfare package of almost €2.2 billion. Many of the measures we have taken have been to assist families with children.
In recognition of the higher costs associated with older children, a higher rate of Increase for a Qualified Child was introduced in respect of children aged 12 and over in 2019. That has been maintained in each Budget since, including the recent Budget where I provided for the weekly rates to increase by €2 to €42 per week in the case of children under age 12 and by €2 to €50 per week in the case of children aged 12 or over.
These increases will take effect from January at an estimated cost of €30.4 million in 2023. As a result, these rates will have increased by €6 for under 12s and by €10 for over 12s over the last three Budgets. The new rate of €50 for children aged 12 or over is 19% higher than that for children aged under 12.
Earlier this month, all families with children received a double payment of Child Benefit in respect of each child. This benefited approximately 638,000 recipients in respect of over 1.2 million children at a cost of €170 million.
In addition, Budget 2023 provides for a €40 weekly increase in the Working Family Payment income limits for families of all sizes from January at a cost of approximately €16.8 million in 2023. I also provided for a €500 lump sum payment to all families in receipt of the payment this month at an estimated cost of €23 million. Furthermore, families in receipt of the Fuel Allowance also received a €400 payment this month.I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
