Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Labour Party supports this Bill, as we did in the Lower House. The purpose of the Bill is to give legislative effect to the child benefit summer bonus of €100 for each qualifying child. That is very welcome. Many families are struggling. The Minister said that in her speech and she is recognising that by giving those families an additional €100.

I wish to ask one question on child benefit. It is an issue that comes up to me through the constituency office on a regular basis. As we are aware, those who are 18 do not get child benefit even if they are in full-time education. Has the Department considered allowing those still in secondary school who are 18 to get the benefit of child benefit? It is an issue that is brought up with me on a regular basis. We have asked this question and discussed this matter previously. Given the situation in the country at the moment and the fact that the Government is providing this additional €100, I ask the Department to consider this. It is hard to explain to parents in particular who come into my clinics – and I am sure to the Minister’s clinics – that they are not entitled to child benefit even though they are paying out a considerable amount for schoolbooks and whatever else they are paying for. Perhaps the Minister might reply to my question.

This is a good news story and it has to be acknowledged as such. Some €100 will make a difference to families that are struggling. That is to be encouraged.

I also acknowledge the hot meals programme, which I have spoken to the Minister about before. It is welcome that she is extending it to all DEIS schools. There are a number of such schools in my area and I see the benefit of this. I see the school vans delivering the hot meals each day. I have seen the benefit of that with those coming to my clinic. It is also acknowledged by the parents. We all should acknowledge and welcome it. The question is whether we will extend it beyond the schools in the DEIS programme. What are the plans for that? It is a great start and I am acknowledging it as such, but there are other primary school children attending school at the moment and unfortunately not in a position to have that hot meal. I welcome some comment from the Department on whether it has looked at extending it further. I acknowledge, once again, that it is an important step forward that all DEIS schools will qualify.

Like everyone else, the Labour Party completely supports this short Bill. If the Minister could respond to my queries when she comes back in on it, it would be appreciated.