Dr. Tricia Keilthy:

I thank Senator Ruane for the question. It is a good point. It is not something that comes up frequently in our services. It is not something on which we have focused. It does complicate things when a letter has to be signed. There were issues over the summer when parents were not able to get the letter signed and there was a loss of child benefit. This is a huge loss for families on low incomes. An issue that is raised consistently with regard to child benefit is the loss of child benefit once a child turns 18, even if that child is still in school. Now that we have transition year and children begin school at six, they are much more likely to be 18 - definitely in sixth year and perhaps in fifth year. The loss of child benefit at that time is massive for families. We have seen it contribute to early school leaving. Child benefit should be payable for all children until the end of secondary school. The cut-off at the age of 18 has an impact on families. It is an issue that is raised with us quite frequently. In our prebudget submission, we called for child benefit to be available until children finish secondary schools. This is what we have seen in our services and supports.