Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I welcomed last year's extension of parent's leave and benefit to all eligible parents of children born or adopted after 1 November 2019. Those five weeks' leave must be used within two years of the child's birth or adoption. These are important payments and help parents to take the time needed to support their children and to help meet the cost of living.

As children grow, another benefit that is of great importance for parents is child benefit. We know it is a crucial payment for many parents and families. I am frequently contacted by parents in difficult circumstances as they are finding it hard to access the payment for their children who are over 16 and may have left school but cannot find a job or training. Perhaps the Minister could come back to me on that issue.

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