Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was originally planned to take effect next September so I asked my officials to expedite the work on this. Some work needs to be done when we change payments. The IT systems have to be updated. We got the legislation passed last month, the systems are ready to go, and it will take effect from May.

I would say to the parents whose children just turned 18 in February, for example, to contact my Department and reapply. It is just a matter of confirming they are in full-time education and putting in the application. They will continue to get the payment until they reach the age of 19. That is something people should be aware of. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I encourage parents to make sure they get the application in. It is about reapplying. That is certainly worth their while.

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