Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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197. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the process involved when an application is made for State benefits such as child benefit by non-Irish citizens (details supplied); the way this differs from applications made by Irish citizens born here; and if this process differs from that which pertains for Irish citizens returning from abroad. [34333/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The application process for child benefit is the same for all applicants.

Since May 2004, all applicants for child benefit must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. This is decided taking into account the following five factors;

1) Length and continuity of residence in Ireland or in any other particular country

2) Length and purpose of any absence from Ireland

3) Nature and pattern of employment

4) Applicant's main centre of interest

5) Future intentions of applicant concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

In order to enable a decision to be made on their Habitual Residence, a person should ensure that forms CB1 and HRC1 are fully completed when submitting their claim.