Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
125. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of foreign-born parents currently claiming child benefit; the number of children who are the beneficiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, 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.
To qualify for Child Benefit, the customer must meet the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC). This applies to all applicants regardless of nationality.
To satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) the customer must:
• have the right to live in the State with permission to access social welfare services and
• show that they are habitually resident using the five factors outlined in legislation.
The five factors are:
• how long they have lived and intend to continue living in Ireland or in any other country;
• the length and reason for any absence from Ireland;
• the nature and pattern of their employment;
• their main place of interest;
• their future intentions to live in Ireland as it appears from the evidence.
The customer’s country of birth is not recorded as it has no bearing on the payment of Child Benefit as long as the customer satisfies the Habitual Residence conditions.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
