2117. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children on child benefit payments; and the way in which the number has been affected by the extension of payments to those in full-time education up to 19 years-of-age. [63902/26]

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 training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

As of August 2026 , there are 683,395 families receiving Child Benefit in respect of 1,269,402 children.

In Budget 2024, Child Benefit was extended to include payment in respect of 18-year-olds. Currently there are 70,129 children aged 18 for whom Child Benefit is in payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.