Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024.

With many children now starting primary school at age 5, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18 year olds still in secondary education. I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18 years old's in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future.

At the end of September, average processing times were 3 weeks which is within expected performance levels. There are many different types of claims and processing times will vary but there are no backlogs in any area of Child Benefit.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.