Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to increase child care support for low income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30836/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from the Deputy's question that he is referring to child benefit increases. Child benefit is the principal means of providing support to families with children in Ireland. It is neutral vis-À-vis the employment status of the child's parents and maximizes choice for parents. Child benefit is paid monthly in advance to over 530,000 families is respect of over 1,020,000 children.

Child benefit rates now stand at €141.60 per month for each of the first two children and to €177.30 per month for the third and each subsequent child. Over the period since 1997, monthly rates of child benefit have increased by €103.51 at the lower rate and €127.78 at the higher rate, increases of 272% and 258% respectively. Any child benefit rate increase would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of competing priorities.