Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1040. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost to deliver child benefit to mothers from the tenth week of pregnancy; and if he will consider the introduction of such a payment to help mothers with the cost of preparing for the arrival of children. [11888/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Child Benefit is a monthly payment to families with children, from the first month after the birth of the child, up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability. It is paid in respect of almost 1.3 million children. Expenditure on the scheme is estimated at over €2.2 billion in 2025.

Addressing child poverty is a key priority for the Government. That is why the Programme for Government 2025, “Securing Ireland’s Future” includes a range of measures to support children and their families.

It is recognised that the birth of a child is an expensive time for parents. A Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is available in respect of babies born on or after 1 December 2024. This new payment assists parents with the costs associated with new babies. It provides additional financial support to a family to ensure adequate resources and that the material needs of a newborn are met. It is estimated that in 2025, the grant will be paid, alongside the first month’s Child Benefit payment of €140, in respect of some 54,000 children, at a cost of approximately €15 million.

It is important to note that, in addition to Child Benefit, families on low incomes may be able to avail of other social welfare payments:

• the Child Support Payment with primary social welfare payments;
• the Working Family Payment for low-paid employees with children; and
• the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.