Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will state which parent is entitled to child benefit in a situation where the parents have joint custody of the child; and the basis on which the decision is made. [49968/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Child benefit is a universal payment made to the parents/guardians of children. As provided for in social welfare legislation, payment is normally made to the mother or step-mother of the qualified child. Where the child does not live with their mother or step-mother, but lives with their father or step-father, payment may be made to them. In cases where the parents have joint custody of the child, the legislation provides that payment is made to the mother.