Written Answers Nos. 160-179
160. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the ongoing efforts by community groups in Caherdaniel to identify and acquire suitable lands for essential community infrastructure; the supports available to assist such groups in site acquisition where private landowners are unwilling to sell or lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, which I announced on 5 March, 2026, supports urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities. Building on the success of the previous Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the new Fund provides a wider scope of eligibility to include towns with a population of over 9,000. Caherdaniel does not meet this criterion and is not eligible for funding under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund on that basis.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), is targeted at settlements and rural areas with fewer than 10,000 people located outside city boundaries and the Dublin metropolitan area. DRCDG is responsible for funding for local community facilities in that context.
Further information on the RRDF and its current Call for Proposals can be accessed on the DRCDG website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/#eligibility.
161. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to introducing measures to support compulsory purchase or facilitated land transfer mechanisms for small rural communities where critical infrastructure is being impeded by lack of available land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22970/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Strategic Objectives (NSOs) and National Policy Objectives (NPOs) of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) support the development of vibrant rural communities and the development of new housing in rural towns and villages. Specifically, National Policy Objective 26 supports the proportionate growth of and appropriately designed development in rural towns that will contribute to their regeneration and renewal, including interventions in the public realm, the provision of amenities, the acquisition of sites and the provision of services. The National Strategic Objectives of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) support the development of vibrant rural communities and the development of housing in rural towns and villages.
In rural Ireland, many people seek the opportunity to build their own homes but find it difficult to do so in smaller settlements because of a lack of available sites and services. Wastewater infrastructural constraints have been identified as a limiting factor for housing delivery in settlements where existing Uisce Éireann wastewater treatment capacity is not immediately available.
To address this, my Department recently launched the Developer-Led Infrastructure (DLI) Initiative for Wastewater Services to support Housing Delivery. This collaborative delivery model between developers and Uisce Éireann for the provision of new wastewater infrastructure is the core of the new arrangements. Under this model, the developer will finance and construct the required infrastructure in accordance with Uisce Éireann standards, with Uisce Éireann then taking ownership of the land/facility and the responsibility for ongoing operation and regulatory compliance.
This approach will enable wastewater infrastructure to be planned and built as part of new housing developments and support the continued development of rural communities.
162. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on supports available for the development of Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs) in rural villages; whether additional funding or technical assistance can be provided to accelerate delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22971/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of public wastewater infrastructure is, in the normal course, the statutory responsibility of Uisce Éireann, which plans, delivers and operates water services, also undertaking the necessary capital investment.
My Department has approved significant funding for a pilot scheme to enable local authorities to develop wastewater infrastructure in a number of small settlements that currently cannot access existing Uisce Éireann services. This pilot was limited in scope and there are no plans at present to reopen or extend it.
I have recently announced the new Developer-Led Wastewater Infrastructure (DLI) initiative to promote the delivery of wastewater solutions in locations without access to Uisce Éireann infrastructure or where existing capacity is constrained and no immediate upgrade is planned. Under the initiative, developers may fund and construct wastewater infrastructure, which will transfer to Uisce Éireann ownership upon completion. These solutions may include nature-based approaches, such as integrated constructed wetlands. All infrastructure built must meet Uisce Éireann’s technical standards and environmental standards.
The initiative which is now fully operational will support sustainable housing development by enabling timely wastewater solutions in areas affected by capacity constraints, helping to accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure. It is a matter for developers to identify locations where new infrastructure may be developed.
There are no proposals within my Department to provide public funding to integrated constructed wetlands or similar schemes operating independently of Uisce Éireann’s capital programme.
Any proposals to address local wastewater capacity constraints must be developed in consultation with Uisce Éireann.
163. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assistance and the options available to persons in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22982/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, “Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030”, with the Government targeting the delivery of 300,000 new homes by 2030, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable supports. The plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent. Further Government measures introduced to support renters include the increase in the tax credit for renters under Budget 2025 to a maximum of €1,000 for each renter in a household. Budget 2026 extends the Rent Tax Credit, which was due to expire at the end of 2025, for a further three years, to the end of 2028.
Record levels of social and affordable housing delivery have been achieved in recent years, with preliminary 2025 figures indicating further record levels of delivery. I am providing substantial funding to local authorities, the Land Development Agency and the Approved Housing Bodies. To support increased delivery, the National Development Plan has committed record levels of funding for new social and affordable housing, totalling almost €20 billion. Since the launch of Cost Rental in 2021, around €2.25 billion in Exchequer funding has been approved for Cost Rental projects. Beyond my Department, very significant loan funding is also being provided from the State's Housing Finance Agency, and the lowering of VAT on new apartments to 9% under Budget 2026 will also assist in delivering new homes into the Cost Rental sector at lower costs, meaning lower rents.
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 came into operation on 1 March 2026, introducing a new national rent control for all tenancies, which limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments and student-specific accommodation, however, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation (CPI) only. These changes were introduced to promote greater investment in the rental market and to increase the supply of rental properties. The Act also provides significant improvements in security of tenure for renters.
Anyone who is unable to secure rental accommodation in their area via the usual means, estate letting agents or searching online rental accommodation platforms, etc., should contact their local authority, who can offer guidance and assistance.
164. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of funding applications submitted by Laois County Council under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) for the proposed roundabout at the junction of Dublin Road and Collier's Lane, Portlaoise, and the Borris Road to Dublin Road Urban Distributor Road; the total funding sought for these projects; the timeline for a decision on these applications; and when it is anticipated that funding will be approved and construction can commence, given that these projects have been identified as critical infrastructure to enable the delivery of housing in Portlaoise and have been approved since 2009. [22997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2026, the Government launched the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support direct investment in the critical infrastructure needed to unlock housing delivery in towns and cities across the country. The HIIF is a multiannual €1 billion fund and will be managed by the HAO within my Department. It represents the largest housing infrastructure investment announced by the State in many years. The fund is designed to address infrastructure constraints that are preventing or delaying housing development, particularly in locations where housing can be delivered at scale and at pace.
Call 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from 30 local authorities, including Laois County Council, and from the LDA. I can confirm that two applications were received from Laois County Council under the HIIF for (1.) the Borris Road/Dublin Road Urban Distributor Road and (2.) the Dublin road - Collier lane Junction enhancement. Confirmation of receipt of both these applications issued to Laois County Council on 6 March.
The Housing Activation Office team are actively reviewing the applications against the scheme criteria. Recommendations will be brought forward in accordance with the governance arrangements for the Fund shortly.
The HIIF Call 1 Scheme Outline document can be found on my Departments website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/housing-infrastructure-investment-fund-call-1-scheme-outline/.
165. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the support levels for the first home scheme will be revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers and self-builders between their deposit/mortgage and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Full details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie. The scheme can take an equity share of up to 30% of the value of the home, or 20% where a customer is also availing of the Help to Buy Scheme.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders, including price ceiling reviews. At its launch, the First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) announced it would review all price ceilings at 6-month intervals. The DAC take into account a range of factors as part of these reviews, including the median price and volume of new builds purchased by first time buyers in each local authority area.
At the end of December 2025, the First Home DAC published the outcome of its seventh scheduled review of the price ceilings that apply to qualifying homes and subsequently revised price ceilings. New price ceilings were agreed for 17 local authority areas. The new price ceilings came into effect on 1 January 2026. The First Home Scheme DAC will continue to monitor the price ceilings as part of any future review with the next review expected to be complete in late June 2026.
More information on price-ceiling reviews is available at the following link: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-scheme/property-price-ceilings/.
166. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
167. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the appeal for an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22965/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider introducing a payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 171 together.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people which will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people, incluidng increases to personal rates of payment and the Fuel Allowance.
In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, as well as disabled people and their advocates. I will be hosting this Summit on 13 May.
On 20 February, I launched a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment and the Strategic Focus Network Summit can best be delivered. It will run for just over 6 weeks, closing on the 7th April. I want to all voices to be included in this consultation. I encourage any interested parties to visit gov.ie/COD, where they will find guidance on how to engage with the consultation in whatever format best suits them.
After the Summit we will produce a briefing paper outlining the key lessons and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of government delivers in this area. This will inform the next Programme Plan of Actions under the strategy.
We also know that many people and families, including disabled people and their families, are facing higher energy costs at the moment as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. That is why we have announced a €250 million energy relief package this week.
As part of this package, the Fuel Allowance season will be extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, which include many disabled people, will receive additional financial support of €38 per week until May 1st, totalling €152.
For anyone who needs immediate assistance, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is available to them now. Under the scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Furthermore, under the scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. Heating Supplement is not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the full year.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment or a Heating Supplement is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
168. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the current employment rate for persons with a disability in Ireland compared to the national average; the progress made towards the target of 6% public service employment; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of people currently supported by the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the wage subsidy scheme, by county in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has overall responsibility for recruitment policies in the public sector. In 2024, the public service target for the employment of disabled people was increased from 3% to 4.5% and in that year the number of employees reporting a disability increased to 5.4%. According to the National Disability Authority, this is the first time this percentage has exceeded 5%. The target was increased to 6% from January 2025 but figures for 2025 are not yet available.
Based on Census 2022, Ireland’s employment rate for disabled people was 49%, while for non-disabled people it was 71%, resulting in a disability employment gap of 22 percentage points. Pillar 2 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2026 to 2030 is focussed on employment. It includes a range of commitments which are intended to assist disabled people to remain in, or take up employment and therefore reduce the disability employment gap.
The Work and Access Scheme replaced both the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme. It provides funding for seven supports - workplace needs assessments, communication supports, in-work support, personal reader, work equipment, workplace adaptation and disability equality and inclusion training.
The table below shows the number of grants paid under the Work and Access scheme for the years requested. A breakdown by county is not available.
|
- |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (to end Feb) |
|
No. grants paid |
110* |
256 |
88 |
*Work and Access launched in July 2024. 86 grants in 2024 were under the previous Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a key disability employment support provided by my Department. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy.
The table below shows the number of employees on the Wage Subsidy Scheme by county for the years requested.
169. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to reform the Reasonable Accommodation Fund to make it more accessible for private-sector employers; the number of applications refused for this fund in 2025 and 2026; and the measures being taken to ensure that individuals transitioning into employment do not lose essential supports such as the medical card or disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023. The Reasonable Accommodation Fund provided financial support for disabled people and for employers to help make their workplaces more accessible. The Disability Awareness Support Scheme provided funding for disability awareness training for employees.
This report included nine recommendations - to merge the two schemes into a single, flexible scheme and to expand and improve the supports offered under the new scheme.
In July 2024, the Work and Access scheme was launched, replacing the two former schemes. Work and Access offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for disabled people. The supports include funding for a workplace needs assessment, workplace adaptations and communication support.
Work and Access is open to all non-public sector employers, including the self-employed and people working in the community and voluntary sector. Supports are available for both business premises and remote workplaces.
In 2025, 31 applications were declined. This happens where people do not meet the criteria for the scheme, for example they may not be working or they are working in the public sector or they are looking for equipment which the employer should provide to all employees. No applications have been refused to date in 2026.
It is very important that we make the transition to employment for disabled people as smooth as possible. This is why people on Disability Allowance and Blind Pension can take up employment or self-employment and continue to receive all or part of their income support. A person can earn up to €165 a week and keep their full rate payment. Earnings between €165 and €375 from employment are assessed at 50%, and any earnings over €375 are fully assessed as means. A person can earn up to €527.60 a week and still keep their entitlement to the minimum rate of payment and their Department of Social Protection secondary benefits.
People who were on Disability Allowance and take up employment can currently be fast-tracked back to their payment if they end their employment within 12 months.
Since 2017, a person can retain their eligibility for the Free Travel scheme for 5 years after taking up employment and moving off the payment.
A person who had been in receipt of certain social welfare payments, such as Disability Allowance, for 12 consecutive months may retain their medical card for three years on moving into employment. Medical cards are administered by the Health Service Executive.
Following Budget 2026, people moving from Disability Allowance or Blind Pension to take up work will be able to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for up to five years. The Back to Work Family Dividend has also been extended to this group, where they have children.
Under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, my Department has committed to expanding the “no questions asked” route of return to disability payments to three years and to reviewing the retention of secondary benefits where disabled people take up employment. These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Strategy in light of the prevailing policy and budgetary context.
170. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application renewal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP), is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees, with children, who have low earnings. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them.
WFP for the person concerned was awarded on 14/01/2026. A review of the hours being worked by the person concerned was carried out on the 14/02/2026 which resulted in the payment being suspended and further information regarding weekly hours worked being sought. Following a review of the information provided, the department was satisfied the criteria for payment was satisfied and the payments reinstated on the 19/03/2026.
The person concerned was informed of the decision and arrears have issued.
172. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for supplementary welfare allowance, including additional needs payments and exceptional needs payments, received in each of the counties of Westmeath and Longford in each of the past 24-months; the number of those applications approved and refused; the breakdown of the purpose for which each application was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22675/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for supplementary welfare allowance, including additional needs payments and exceptional needs payments, received per county, in each of the past 24-months; the number of those applications approved and refused; and a breakdown of the purpose for which each application was made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income.
Table 1 below shows the number of Additional Needs Payments registered, awarded and disallowed in 2024 and 2025 by county. The figures do not reflect the number of claims that have been withdrawn, cancelled or are awaiting further information. Applications are assessed on the basis of identified need, income, available resources and essential expenditure. Applications continue to be submitted from individuals who may not qualify when assessed against this criterion, impacting the number of claims not paid.
Table 2 below shows the number of Additional Needs payments registered and awarded by category in 2024 and 2025.
My Department also publishes quarterly statistics on Additional Needs Payments in the Quarterly Statistics report, which is available on gov.ie.
Table 1 - Additional Needs Payments registered, awarded and disallowed for 2024-2025, by county
Table 2 - Additional Needs payments registered and awarded by category
174. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the real-time verification mechanisms in place to ensure that recipients of social welfare payments, including child benefit and disability allowance, continue to meet residency requirements within the State; whether these systems include routine cross-checking with immigration, Revenue, and airline or travel data; and if he will outline any plans to introduce automated exit-tracking or enhanced data-sharing to prevent payments issuing to persons no longer resident in the State. [22753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the total value of welfare overpayments made to persons not resident in the State in each of the past five years, broken down by scheme; the number of individuals involved annually; and the extent to which these figures represent identified fraud, administrative error, or delayed notification of departure. [22754/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual recovery rate of overpayments made to persons absent from the State; the average duration required to recover such funds; whether penalties, interest, or legal enforcement mechanisms are applied; and if he will outline measures to improve recovery performance. [22755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of internal audits or compliance reviews conducted by the Department relating to payments issued to persons outside the State since 2022;the findings of these audits; and whether any systemic control failures were identified and addressed. [22757/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether any legislative or regulatory gaps have been identified which allow welfare payments to continue after a recipient has left the State; and if he will outline any proposed legislative amendments to strengthen eligibility enforcement and prevent recurrence. [22758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 175, 176, 178 and 179 together.
Debt management and recovery of overpayments is a key part of the work of the Department. Overpayments of social welfare entitlements can occur for a number of reasons, including through error on the part of either the customer or the department or where a person has provided false or misleading information. The value of most individual overpayments is low on many schemes.
Overpayments in any given year represent less than 0.5% of total expenditure and in this context it is important to note that overpayments arising from customers being paid while absent from the state represents only 3% of overpayment cases raised in any given year.
All schemes operated by my department are subject to ongoing control reviews and continuing eligibility checks. During 2025, my department carried out approximately 716,500 control reviews across a range of schemes. For 2026 a target of 750,700 control reviews has been set.
All recipients are required to notify my department of any changes in circumstance which may impact their payment. This includes plans to be absent from the State. Data on social welfare payments is systematically and periodically matched against other data sources from external bodies including Revenue, as part of the departments control activity. Information is exchanged in line with the appropriate legislative provisions. My department also receives notifications from the Department of Justice of individuals who are no longer entitled to remain in the State and any social welfare payments in place are stopped.
Those who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment in full as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled. The department is proactive in its efforts to recover all overpayments. A social welfare debt will not become statute barred for recovery. It remains with a debtor for all future entitlement payments and can be collected thereafter from any remaining estate.
My department is satisfied that no significant legislative gaps have been identified that allow welfare payments to continue after customers have left the State.
The tables below provide information on the value of overpayments and recoveries related to absence from the state, broken down by year, scheme, number of customers involved and amounts. Recoveries in any year may include overpayments raised in other years that are being repaid in the current year.
Recoveries (Absent from the state):
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total |
€3,160,562 |
€3,300,715 |
€3,507,646 |
€3,797,273 |
€4,391.035 |
*Recoveries may include overpayments raised in other years but are being repaid in the current year.
177. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the safeguards in place to ensure that child benefit payments are made only where eligibility conditions, including habitual residence, are satisfied; the number of child benefit claims identified as incorrectly paid to non-resident recipients in each of the past three years; and whether additional verification requirements are being considered. [22756/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged between 16 and 19, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
As of 28/02/2026, Child Benefit was in payment to circa 675,000 customers in respect of 1.26 million children. Child Benefit payments amount to approximately €2.1 billion annually.
To apply for Child Benefit both the qualifying person and child must have a valid Personal Public Service number (PPSN).
Child Benefit is also subject to Habitual Residence condition, which means that the customer:
• has proven close ties with Ireland;
• has been living in Ireland for some time;
• intends to stay in Ireland for the foreseeable future.
A Child Benefit claim where a customer fails to satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition is disallowed.
The Department of Social Protection carries out a range of control measures across all its schemes to prevent, detect and deter fraud. These includes checks both at the award stage and subsequent reviews.
The main control mechanism for Child Benefit is the Continuing Eligibility Certificate process. Customers are issued with a certificate every 12-18 months. A customer will have to return this certificate within 28 days to ensure continued eligibility. Over 300,000 certs are issued each year.
The number of overpayments of child benefit (CB), where the reason for the overpayment was that the claimant was absent from the state, was as follows:
|
Year |
CB overpayments with reason: Absent from State |
|
2023 |
1,636 |
|
2024 |
1,685 |
|
2025 |
1,867 |
No additional verification requirements are being considered currently.
