Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the cost of administering the child benefit scheme; the estimated administration cost of a means-tested child benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25469/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Child benefit is currently being paid to over 600,000 families in respect of over 1.16 million children on a universal basis. The cost of administration of the scheme is in the order of €7.5 million per annum.

The Department has not estimated the cost of administration of means testing the scheme as no decision has been taken to introduce means testing to the scheme. Any decision to introduce a means test for child benefit would be a matter for consideration by Government.