Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the withdrawal by the previous Government of child benefit to secondary school students on reaching the age of 18 years. This commenced on a phased basis in 2009 and the benefit was withdrawn completely by 2010. The removal of child benefit to students who are still in secondary school and are over 18 years, is unjust. The Minister at the time, Mary Hanafin, stated that the effect would be minimal. However, the opposite is the case. Transition-year students stay in school an extra year. Over 30,000 students completed transition year in the school year 2010 to 2011. Practically all of these students were then over 18 years on leaving school but their parents were refused child benefit from the day the students reached 18 years. This situation is proving most difficult for families from disadvantaged backgrounds and many students are leaving school before completing leaving certificate as a result. It is recorded that this country has eight billionaires - it is probably more now - and more than 20 millionaires. During discussions on this matter recently, one well-known business person suggested that the money could be given back by those who did not need it; just three families have returned child benefit to the State. Nothing will happen unless this money is withdrawn from those who can afford not to receive this money and it is provided to those who need it. I call on the Government to address this issue in the forthcoming budget and to allow child benefit to be paid to secondary school students until they complete their leaving certificate.