Child Benefit should be expanded to 19-year-olds that are still in school, a Fianna Fáil TD has claimed.

Dublin North West TD Paul McAuliffe is calling for the benefit to be given to parents whose children are still in school past the age of 18.

On The Pat Kenny Show, he said many students no longer get their Leaving Cert until they are 19.

“People are starting school now at six years of age - they might not finish primary school until 13,” he said.

“It makes sense to continue making that payment for the final year, when you’re in Leaving Cert.” 

Parents automatically receive €140 a month per child under 16, which expands to 18 if their child is disabled or in full-time education. 

Students entering Loreto College on St Stephen's Green, Dublin in June 2021. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

“It costs about €65 billion,” Deputy McAuliffe said. “It's not a huge figure in the overall social protection budget, but I think it would be important way of helping families.” 

The Fianna Fáil Social Protection Spokesperson said this expansion would not apply to those in third level education, who can qualify for grants and live more independently. 

'Targeted payments'

He said lower-income families need targeted supports on top of the universal Child Benefit.

“We do need those both types of payments. We do need targeted payments,” he said. 

The Government has introduced means-tested payments and reliefs to families – such as means-tested reductions on third-level fees – and “general” schemes such as free schoolbooks in primary schools. 

“There are times when it's appropriate for it to be a universal payment,” Deputy McAuliffe said. 

“There are many people who aren't earning social welfare payments that do need support, particularly when they're heading back to school.” 

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