3,220 Newborn Baby Grants issued across Wicklow and Wexford in 2025

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has confirmed that 3,220 Newborn Baby Grants were issued to 3,172 families across Wicklow and Wexford in 2025. As part of Budget 2025, the Department of Social Protection introduced the Newborn Baby Grant, a once off payment of €280 designed to help families meet the material needs of a newborn baby or a newly adopted child.The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application.In its first year, the Newborn Baby Grant was paid nationally in respect of 49,841 children, at a total cost of approximately €14 million. Commenting on the figures, Deputy Malcolm Byrne said: “The birth of a new child is a time of great joy, but it can also place financial pressure on families. Supports like this are essential in easing that pressure and allowing parents to enjoy what truly matters, spending time with their newest family member. “In the first year of this scheme, thousands of families have benefited nationally, with thousands of families across Wicklow and Wexford receiving support.Measures like the Newborn Baby Grant make a tremendous difference to families. It is a priority for Fianna Fáil to continually support parents through schemes like this so they can spend time with their loved ones and focus on the moments that matter." The Newborn Baby Grant is part of the whole-of-Government First 5 strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. This is a ten-year plan to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.This bonus payment on the birth or adoption of a child aims to assist parents with the costs associated with new family members, by providing an additional financial support. Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 (or until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability). The standard rate of Child Benefit is €140 per month. Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. The first payment is made the month after the child is born. Twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child. The Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is paid in addition to the regular €140 Child Benefit payment in the first month. The payment is made in respect of approximately 50,000 children each year. As a result of this measure, in the month after the birth of a child or placement of an adopted child, the qualifying parents will be eligible for: - In the case of a single birth, a payment of €420 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €140 plus the new baby grant of €280) - In the case of twins, a payment of €980 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €210 per child plus two new baby grants of €280 each). - In the case of triplets, a payment of €1,680 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €280 per child plus two three new baby grants of €280 each).