Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

738. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider bringing in child benefit payments for those over 18 years in full-time secondary education in 2023, instead of from September 2024 onwards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48047/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education was one of my key priorities as part of Budget 2024. The measure is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 18 year olds each year at an estimated cost of €21.6 million in 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-year-olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future.

This is a significant change to the Child Benefit payment which will require technical and operational changes to the social welfare system before implementation. For this reason, the change will take effect from September 2024. Where a child in full time education turns 18 in the meantime they will be covered by the extension from September 2024 until they turn 19.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

739. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure an application for a respite care grant is approved for a person (details supplied). [48066/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment made to carers by my Department.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for CSG from the person concerned on 23 May 2023.

It is a condition of CSG that the care recipient must have a disability that meets the full-time care and attention requirements set out in the governing legislation such that a person shall not be regarded as requiring full-time care and attention unless the person is so incapacitated that he or she requires from another person –

(a) continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or

(b) continual supervision in order to avoid danger to himself or herself.

Having examined all the evidence presented in support of the claim for CSG, and taking account of the disability of the care recipient, a Deciding Officer decided that they do not meet the full-time care and attention requirements. The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter dated 9 August 2023.

A request for a review of the original decision was received on 1 September 2023. Following a review, the person concerned was notified on the 3 October 2023 that the original decision was upheld and of their right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.