Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak about the child benefit scheme. This week, a man contacted my office to say he will lose a child benefit payment because his child, who attends a secondary school, will reach his 18th birthday before undertaking his leaving certificate examination. He is not working and has no income. In the UK, once a child remains in secondary education, the parent is entitled to receive child benefit, sometimes up to the age of 20. Sadly, that is not the case in this country. Although children are encouraged to undertake transition year to enhance their education, the cut-off age of 18 means many students will be affected because their 18th birthday falls before their leaving certificate examinations. It may even happen earlier if they avail of transition year. These students are still dependent on their parents in almost all cases because - perhaps nobody has noticed - it is almost impossible for young people to secure a part-time job. They still need to be clothed and they need books, stationery and food. They are definitely not self-sufficient. Unfortunately, it is a fact that child benefit is not paid for 18 year olds after the month of their birthday, even if they remain in education or training. As a result, this Government has placed an unnecessary financial burden on hard-pressed families. We need to consider extending the child benefit scheme to include children whose families need a bit of help once they remain in education. Households that are close to the poverty line rely on child benefit to pay for necessities. The money is not used to pay for foreign holidays. One hears claims that recipients of child benefit keep the money to pay for foreign holidays. I know of many hard-pressed families and the Leader should believe me when I say there is no such thing as free education. We need to consider the system and analyse what does and does not work. It is expensive to keep 18 year olds in secondary education because they still need a lot of clothing, help, etc. Therefore, we must ensure that we look after them. Child benefit is the only source of income for many women for their incredibly hard work over many years on which we do not put a value at present. I will ask the relevant Minister about the provision. Many parents have contacted me because they feel that such children are entitled to receive child benefit once they remain in secondary school and until they do their leaving certificate examination. It is crucial that the current provision is changed.