In his recent budget speech, Irish Minister Paschal Donohoe emphasized the government’s goal of making Ireland one of the best countries for children. Key measures introduced in the budget aim to support families and make parenting more affordable. Notable changes include tripling the initial child benefit payment for newborns from €140 to €420. Additionally, parents receiving child benefit will get double payments in November and December, totaling an extra €280. Foster carers will receive extra payments, and there will be increases in weekly rates for children of certain social protection recipients: €4 for those under 12 and €8 for those over 12. Other initiatives include a €100 single payment for each qualified child, a €15 weekly increase in maternity and paternity leave payments, and the extension of free public transport for children aged five to eight.
Child Benefit Bonuses, Free School Meals and extra Childcare Funding Approved
Updated on October 3, 2024