Thousands Of Parents Whose Children Live In UK, Romania And Poland Receive Irish Child Benefit

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 16:49

By Martin Osborne

The largest share - nearly 2,700 children - are based in the UK, followed by over 1,300 in Romania and 1,100 in Poland.

Thousands of parents of children living outside Ireland are receiving Irish child benefit payments.

In a parliamentary question, Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea asked for a full breakdown.

The reply revealed that, as of April 30th 2025, child benefit was being paid for over 6,100 children who do not live in the country.

The largest share - nearly 2,700 children - are based in the UK, followed by over 1,300 in Romania and 1,100 in Poland.

Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary defended the payments, saying EU rules require Ireland to pay if a parent works here, even if their children live abroad.

Meanwhile, a two-tier child benefit system is being considered by the government.

A recent report shows the number of children in consistent poverty has increased by more than 45 thousand in one year.

A new tier of child benefit is now being considered for those in poverty in October's Budget.

More from Local News

Breaking: Government Approves Purchase Of Citywest Hotel, Currently Housing Asylum Seekers

Audio

The Government has been leasing the site since 2020.
Naas Crowned Ireland's Best Kept Town, Following IBAL Success Yesterday

It came out on top in the large urban centre category
“It’s So Cool” – Athy Girl Band’s Big Break On Netflix Series 'Ginny And Georgia'

Audio

Band member Maykala Farrell said the experience has been surreal.
Housing Department Refuses To Answer Questions On Sudden Halt Of Athy Social Homes

In response to detailed queries submitted by Kfm, including when the decision was made, what cost factors were considered, and what alternative delivery models are under consideration - the Department issued only a short statement confirming that the pause was decided on June 3 due to “overall costs for the project being considered too high.”
Most Parents Say School Uniforms Offer Poor Value For Money As Schools Urged To Keep Costs Down

Audio

The report by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is highlighting the back to school costs on families.
Eir Blames Truck For Months-Long Telecom Breakdown That Left 88-Year-Old Woman Stranded After Fall

In a statement issued to Kfm, the company said that a heavy goods vehicle caused “significant damage” to infrastructure, bringing down poles and cables.
ISPCA Rescues Lurcher Found In Kildangan, Described As One of Worst Cases Of Emaciation Ever Seen

ISPCA Welfare Inspector Jimmy McCormack described her as "skin and bone" and "very weak," but praised her gentle nature despite her ordeal.
Hopes Of 1,000-Pupil Curragh School Opening In 2026 "Unlikely" As Contractor Selection Months Away

The Department of Education says a contractor won’t be appointed until near the end of this year, meaning construction is unlikely to begin before early 2026.