Finance Budget 2016
ECCE Scheme
From September 2016, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme will be extended to children aged between 3 years and 5 years 6 months, or until they start primary school.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit will increase by €5 to €140 per month per child for 2016. Families with twins receive one and a half times the normal monthly rate for each child. Families with multiple births receive Child Benefit at double the normal monthly rate for each child.
| Child Benefit | |
|---|---|
| Number of Children | 2016 Monthly Rate € |
| 1 child | 140 |
| 2 children | 280 |
| 3 children | 420 |
| 4 children | 560 |
| 5 children | 700 |
| 6 children | 840 |
Free GP care
Extension of the free GP care to children under 12 years.
Paternity Benefit
A new Paternity Benefit is being introduced for fathers availing of the new 2 weeks’ statutory paternity leave. It will be paid at €230 per week in respect of births from September 2016.