16. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of families currently in receipt of child benefit; the total cost involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33086/15]

Child benefit is a universal payment made to families with children. It assists those families with the cost associated with raising children. Child benefit is payable at the monthly rate of €135 per child and is in payment to over 615,000 families in respect of almost 1.2 million children. The expenditure on child benefit in 2014 was €1.91 billion. The estimated expenditure for 2015 is €1.97 billion.