Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In each of the past five years, between €70 million and €80 million has been generated in control savings in the child benefit scheme. Individuals associated with the troika recently questioned the universal character of the child benefit payment. The payment should remain universal, although it could be paid in a much more effective manner. The Departments of Education and Skills and Social Protection have linked up in respect of enrolment data for pupils in schools. However, the Department of Social Protection continues to issue 600,000 letters per annum to child benefit recipients, creating a requirement for enough paper to wallpaper the pitch of Croke Park two and a half times, because it is not linked up with the National Educational Welfare Board. Will the Minister ensure such a link is established? One of the conditions for receiving child benefit is that the child for whom it is paid must be attending school. This condition is not regularly enforced.

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