Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of newborn baby grants that have been made to parents in Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8177/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to say that, so far, 215 newborn baby grant payments have been made to 211 families in Tipperary.

This new payment of €280 was announced in Budget 2025 to be paid to families of babies born on or after 1st December 2024. This grant is paid alongside but in addition to the first month’s Child Benefit payment of €140. So, parents of newborns will receive a total first payment of €420. This will help families with the initial costs of equipment, clothing and other items that typically accompany the birth of a newborn. I am sure that the deputy will agree that it is a welcome, extra bit of help for parents at what is a joyful, but also an expensive, time.

The Benefit is payable in respect of newborn babies from the month after birth. Parents of children born in one month, therefore, can receive the Child Benefit payment, including the newborn grant, from the next month onwards; as it is paid automatically they do not need to make any application for the payment.

The first payments issued on 11th February to over 4,400 customers in respect of 4,522 children and included payments for children born on or after 1st December last year. To date, 6,345 customers, including the 211 families in Tipperary, have been paid the new-born baby grant in respect of 6,448 children.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.