Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current total number of recipients of child benefit payments; the extent to which this has fluctuated over the past three years, and is likely to so do in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33382/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
Child Benefit is currently in payment to 655,233 claimants, in respect of 1,230,491 children.
At the end of 2022 the total in receipt of Child Benefit was 648,053 claimants receiving payment in respect of 1.2 million children. The end of year totals for 2021 and 2020 were 630,663 and 633,456 claimants respectively.
The number of Child Benefit payments made in any year is related to a number of factors, including the birth rate, the number of families migrating to the State and the number of families leaving the State.
It is not possible to predict future fluctuations in the number of payments with any degree of certainty.
I trust this helps clarify the position for the Deputy.
