Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to increase child benefit in view of increased child care costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department administers several child income support measures, including child benefit, which delivers a standard rate of payment in respect of all children in a family, regardless of income levels or employment status. Child benefit supports all children but delivers proportionately more assistance to those on low incomes and with larger families. It is not intended primarily to meet child care costs. However, the substantial increases in benefit in recent years can make a significant contribution to meeting those costs.

Since last month, when the 2005 budget rate increases took effect, monthly rates are €141.60 in respect of each of the first two children and €177.30 in respect of the third and subsequent children. Therefore, over the period since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit has increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate, increases of 272% and 258% respectively. This level of increase is unprecedented and is in line with the Government's objective of improving income for children generally. The question of specific support for child care is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whose Department administers the equal opportunities child care programme under the national development plan.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to enhance or improve dental or optical benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The treatment benefit scheme operated by my Department provides to insured persons, and their dependent spouses, a range of services in the area of dental, optical and aural benefit. The availability of these benefits is subject to certain PRSI contribution conditions. The PRSI contribution classes which qualify for treatment benefit are A, E, H and P.

Operational improvements are made from time to time in the course of the ongoing management of the schemes. Any changes in the range of benefits provided under the scheme would, however, be a matter for consideration in a budgetary context and within the constraints of available resources.