David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that the increase in numbers can be attributed to the change in thresholds as much as to his campaign? Has he any way to ascertain how effective was his campaign? How many of those 2,800 people who phoned in applied and how many will be awarded a family income supplement as a result? Is he aware of the similar scheme in New Zealand, entitled family assistance, which is administered through the inland revenue and which has a take-up rate of approximately 90%? Does he agree that the take-up rates here are abysmal and that the administration and bureaucracy involved is off-putting and makes it difficult for people to access the scheme?

The problem outlined by Deputy Catherine Murphy is an example. Will the Minister, as a matter of urgency, write to everybody who receives child benefit and inform them in a clear and simple way of the existence of this, and how they might be eligible for and apply for it? I suggest that he includes a simple leaflet outlining this when the Department sends out the early child care supplement in August or September.

See this speech in context