Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The only means we take account of under the guardian payment is that of the children themselves. In most cases the child has no means at all. We do not take account of the means or the income of the guardian. That does not come into play.

The only case where this should arise is in respect of maintenance payments that are paid directly to the child. When the child maintenance legislation currently going through the Houses is enacted that will mean even maintenance payments paid directly to the child will now be disregarded in the means test for the guardian payment. There should not be an issue but if the Deputy has a specific case, were he to send me the details I would be very happy to look at it. I certainly would not want to see somebody's payment reduced because the child got a small gift in the course of it. The maintenance payments will not be included when this legislation concludes its passage. It will be finished next week, I think.

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