Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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100. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of newborn baby grants that have been made to parents in Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8266/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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We all know that one of the most expensive times in a family's life is the arrival of a new baby, particularly the first baby. Although the extended family can often chip-in with gifts and presents, parents face the costs of buggies, cots, car-seats not to mention nappies and various other baby paraphernalia.

That is why a newborn baby grant of €280 was announced in Budget 2025. 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.

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 the payment is made automatically parents of new babies do not need to do anything to receive the grant.

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 have been paid the new-born baby grant in respect of 6,448 children.

I am pleased to say that already, there have been 86 payments made to 85 families in Sligo with 44 payments made to families in Leitrim. I am sure that the Deputy joins with me in congratulating all of the parents concerned.