Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding children's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34181/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In accordance with Social Welfare Legislation, child benefit is paid up to and including the month of a child's 16th birthday, and continues to the month of the 18th birthday only, provided the child is in full-time education.

In order to continue payment to the person concerned, the school/college that the child is attending must certify the date of completion of education on the application form.

In this case, payment of child benefit was made up to and including June 2012, the end of the academic year, when the child completed the Leaving Certificate.

As is normal procedure, an application form will automatically issue to the person concerned in August. This should be completed if the child returns to full-time education. Arrears due from July 2012 will then be paid and payment will continue to December 2012, the month of the child's 18th birthday.