Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

42. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to set out the cost of restoring by 50% the funds cut to child benefit introduced since the Government came into office; the cost of fully restoring the funding cuts outline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36273/14]

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

Since 2011, the monthly rates of child benefit have been standardised at €130 per month. The cost of increasing the rate of child benefit to the rates that applied in 2011 (including the re-introduction of certain grants payable in respect of multiple births) is estimated at €215 million in a full year. The cost of restoring the rate of child benefit to 50% of the 2011 rates is estimated at €108 million in a full year.

Issues in relation to the rate of social welfare supports in 2015 are a matter for Government in the context of the forthcoming Budget.