Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a query (details supplied); and if he will ensure that this person is receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to. [25698/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The person concerned applied for rent supplement in September 2007. Her application is held pending determination of her entitlement to participate in my Department's Back To Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme. The question of whether or not she is entitled to BTEA will have a bearing on her possible entitlement to rent supplement.

My Department is awaiting additional information from the person concerned regarding her participation in an approved course of study for the purposes of this scheme. Once this information is received, her application for BTEA will be determined and the Executive will then be in a position to make a decision in relation to her rent supplement.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the basis for discrimination in rates of child benefit paid in respect of twins, in three households where twins are joint first and second oldest, joint second and third oldest, joint third and fourth oldest; the reason these children are not being treated equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Child benefit (CB) is a universal payment, paid in respect of children up to the age of 16 years. It continues to be paid in respect of children up to age 19 who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability.

Studies have shown that poverty is concentrated in larger families. In recognition of this, the child benefit scheme is designed to ensure that additional resources are targeted at larger families through the existence of a higher rate of payment in respect of the third and subsequent qualified children. CB rates are currently €160 per month for each of the first two qualified children and €195 per month in respect of the third and subsequent qualified children.

In the case of twins, a special rate of 150% of the normal monthly CB rate is paid for each child. Twice the normal rate is paid in respect of all other multiple births. In addition, a special grant of €635 is paid in respect of all multiple births at three stages: at birth, at the age of four years and again at the age of twelve.

The amount of CB payable to any family is determined solely on the basis of the number of qualified children in the family. It is not determined on the basis of the place of each individual child within the family. Accordingly, the rate of payment which applies in respect of an individual child depends on that child's place among the qualifying children in the family.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Southern Area of the Health Service Executive has advised that they have no record of this application. The executive further advises that if the person concerned contacts the Community Welfare Officer at her local health centre in Kilmallock (phone: 061 98411), the matter will be dealt with without delay.