Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the amount of child benefit paid in respect of children living in other European Union countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8444/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The social security rights of people living and working in the EU are governed by EU Regulations which co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. Accordingly, EU nationals who come to work in Ireland but whose families reside in another EU Member State may have an entitlement to family benefits (child benefit) in Ireland under EU regulations.

Child benefit was in payment in respect of 4,959 families resident in other EU states, covering a total of 8,081 children at 31stMarch 2016.

The total cost of child benefit paid in respect of children residing in other EU Member States during 2015 was 12.7 million.