Written answers

Wednesday, 13 December 2006

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

10:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the British Government to extend child benefit to pregnant women from the seventh month of their pregnancy, to assist them in meeting their extra nutritional requirements during that time; his plans to introduce a similar benefit here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43314/06]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Child benefit in the Irish welfare system is a universal child income support payment which is payable in respect of qualified children up to the age of 16 years or up to 19 years if the child is in full-time education. It should be noted that Irish child benefit rates compare favourably with UK child benefits. In the year 2007-2008 the rate of payment in the UK will be the equivalent of €115.99 per month for the first child and €77.54 for subsequent children whereas increases announced in Budget 2007 will bring the Irish rate to €160 for each of the first two children and €195 for subsequent children.

There are no plans to expand child benefit in the manner proposed.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be dealt with. [42984/06]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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A claim for unemployment assistance (since renamed jobseekers allowance) by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work and that he was not available for full-time employment. Following his appeal against this decision the appeals office sought the comment of the deciding officer on the case. On receipt of this response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

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