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.

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