Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

The Senators are correct, child benefit is paid to the mother. The new child care allowance is not a vouched payment so, in theory, a family could choose to spend the child benefit and the new child care allowance of €1,000 on something other than the child. There is no legal mechanism to address this but research indicates child benefit is used for family purposes in the broadest sense. In rare cases the Department may decide to pay the benefit to the father rather than the mother if family circumstances are brought to our attention. The officials in the Department are very sensitive and in cases where clear evidence shows the money is not being used to the benefit of the child it may be paid to the father or the guardian. Paying substantial funds to the child's mother involves a major element of trust. If we stop trusting the mothers of Ireland we are in serious trouble.

The back-to-school payment is means tested and was greatly improved this year. We increased the allowance by €40 per child, amounting to €120 for children between two and 11 years of age and €180 for those between 12 and 22, effective from June 2006. These targeted payments are very welcome and are not vouched. We pay them under the back to school scheme but if the mother decides it is time for a trip to Brown Thomas I cannot do anything.