Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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110. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the significant delays in birth registration causing subsequent delays for claims for child benefit placing significant financial stress on parents particularly one parent families; if she will ensure that financially vulnerable parents are identified and supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59687/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is responsible for the registration of births.  There are currently delays in birth registration of up to six weeks in the Eastern Registration Area covering Dublin City and Council, Kildare and Wicklow. My Department has offered its support to help clear the backlogs.

Child Benefit is automatically triggered following completion of the birth registration and any arrears due are calculated and paid quickly.  I am assured that there are no delays with the payment of Child Benefit.  A parent who finds that they are in a financially vulnerable position, should make contact with the Department of Social Protection.

I hope this addresses the Deputy's question.