Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Is the Minister aware that the cost of child benefit payments to non-resident children in 2010 came just to €15 million, 0.1% of the Department's overall €20 billion budget? With the downturn in the economy and the subsequent return of many EU nationals to their home states, this figure will continue to decrease.

The programme for Government commits to seeking a change on this benefit payment in the EU. Has contact been made yet with the Commission in this regard? As a former finance spokesperson, does the Minister believe it is wise to risk getting other member states' backs up over this benefit when her Cabinet colleagues are seeking an agreement on reducing Ireland's bailout rate?

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