Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 232: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to a family with newly born triplets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7756/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Child Benefit is payable to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of age if the child is in full-time education, attending FAS Youthreach training or has a disability.

In the case of multiple births, a special grant is also paid at the time of birth and again when the children are 4 and 12 years old. Child Benefit is paid at one and a half times the appropriate monthly rate for twins, and at double the appropriate monthly rate for triplets and other multiple births.

Rates of payment differ depending on the place of the children in the family. The table below details the rates appropriate for triplets in respect of each place in the family.

Table 1

By way of example, in the case of triplets who are the first, second and third children in the family, the monthly rates of payment and grants payable are as detailed in Table 2 below:

Table 2