Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
468. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection to review a case (details supplied); what home care supports are available to this family once their quadruplets arrive to assist them in their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a number of social welfare payments to support families and specifically children. Child 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 who are in full-time education, or who have a disability, until their 18th birthday.
The standard monthly rate of €140 for Child Benefit applies to each child. However, twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child. These higher payments continue for as long as all of the children remain qualified. The additional monthly premia in respect of multiple births acknowledges the existence of additional costs for parents of multiple births.
My Department also provides a number of income supports to new parents, whether they are employees or self-employed, who satisfy the relevant qualifying conditions. These payments are:
|
Duration |
Weekly Rate |
|
|
Maternity Benefit |
26 Weeks |
€274 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
2 Weeks |
€274 |
|
Parent’s Benefit (available to each parent) |
7 Weeks per parent (increasing to 9 weeks from August 2024) |
€274 |
Families on low incomes may be able to avail of a number of targeted social welfare schemes that support children including the Increase for Qualified Child payment, Working Family Payment and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
The availability of home care supports is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
