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3rd October 2024
09:52am BST
Minister Heather Humphreys has confirmed changes will be made to the baby boost payment after major public backlash.
Many parents expressed their outrage over the payment, but it is now being extended to babies born in December too.
Speaking in the Dail, Humphreys said:
"As a mother, I do not want to see any woman miss out.
"I am pleased to confirm to the House tonight that babies born in December will be eligible to receive the newborn grant when their mother receives their first Child Benefit payment in January," she confirmed.
She reassured families that their children will be looked after.
"So my message to those families is don’t worry the Christmas babies will be looked after," she stressed.
She later tweeted: "Pleased to have worked with colleagues across Government including Roderic O'Gorman and Alan Farrell, on this issue. Important that no family or baby misses out."
Parents will be given a once-off payment of €420 after their child is born, but the payment will not roll out until January 1st, 2025.
Parents of newborns are usually given €140 as part of the general Child Benefit payment but will now be granted an additional €280.
Fianna Fáil said the payment will help give babies the best possible start to life.
“This special baby boost will give newborns the best possible start in life. Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting families across the country.”
