236. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of 16- and 17-year-olds living in Ireland, based on child benefit data for 2023 or the latest data available. [43789/24]

Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16,17 and 18, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

The table below shows the total number of children resident in Ireland aged 16 and 17 for whom Child Benefit is being paid as of 30th of September 2024.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.