Child Benefit

May 2, 2024

Child benefit has been extended to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability. Parents of children who turned 18 after May 2023 will be paid again from May 2024 up to their 19th birthday, once their child is in full-time education.

60,000 children will benefit annually as a result of this significant change. Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday each month at a monthly rate of €140 per child. Child Benefit is currently paid to over 650,000 families in respect of over 1.2 million children.

75 Years of the National College of Ireland

This is a remarkable milestone for the National College of Ireland as the institution celebrates 75 years of transforming lives, championing education, and creating opportunities at the heart of Dublin City. From its beginnings in 1951 to the vibrant, future-focused campus it is today, NCI has stayed true to its

The Rotunda Hospital

A new planning application for the redevelopment of the Rotunda hospital will be lodged as soon as possible, backed fully by the Government. The planning application includes: These improvements will deepen the existing partnership with the Mater Hospital, creating even stronger clinical links that directly enhance safety, access, and the

New National Drugs Strategy

Minister for Drugs Jennifer Murnane O’Connor recently updated me in Seanad Eireann on the new national drugs strategy. Her new strategy is designed to respond to the significant changes in drug-use patterns in Ireland and to ensure equitable access to services across the country. The draft strategy proposes five strategic

Teach An Saol

It is truly great news that Teach an Saol’s proposal for a dedicated National Neuro‑Rehabilitation Centre was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council 9 January 2026. This is a huge achievement. Well done to Padraig’s family and everyone who has contributed and supported this amazing project. The project received