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Uimhir 2 de 1944.
ACHT LIÚNTAISÍ LEANBHAÍ, 1944.
[An tionntódh oifigeamhail.]
Mínithe i gcoitinne.
1.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “leabhar liúntais” aon scríbhinn a bheidh tugtha amach ag an Aire do dhuine agus a mbeidh aon liúntas leanbhaí iníoctha leis an duine sin ar an duine sin do sheachadadh no do thaisbeáint na scríbhne sin, no alos í bheith ar seilbh aige, ar dháta no tar éis dáta bheidh curtha in iúl go follus no go folaitheach sa scríbhinn sin;
cialluíonn an abairt “an lá ceaptha” an lá ceapfar leis an ordú atá le déanamh fé fho-alt (1) d'alt 2 den Acht so chun bheith ina lá cheaptha chun crícheanna an Achta so;
cialluíonn an focal “leanbh” duine fé bhun sé bliana déag d'aois;
cialluíonn an abairt “liúntas leanbhaí” liúntas fé alt 3 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “oifigeach breithiúnachta” oifigeach breithiúnachta ceapfar fé alt 7 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an chéad tréimhse íoca” maidir le réigiún, an tréimhse ceapfar, leis an ordú atá le déanamh fé fho-alt (1) d'alt 2 den Acht so, ina céad tréimhse íoca don réigiún san;
cialluíonn an abairt “oifigeach fiosrúcháin” oifigeach fiosrúcháin a ceapfar fé alt 5 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an tAire” an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála;
cialluíonn an abairt “tréimhse íoca”, maidir le réigiún, tréimhse atá, de bhuadh fo-ailt (2) d'alt 2 den Acht so, ina tréimhse íoca don réigiún san;
cialluíonn rud do bheith “orduithe” é bheith orduithe le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire fén Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an dáta cáilitheach”, maidir leis an tréimhse íoca do réigiún, an dáta is dáta cáilitheach, maidir leis an tréimhse íoca san, de bhuadh fo-ailt (2) d'alt 2 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an focal “réigiún” líomatáiste dearbhófar, leis an ordú atá le déanamh fé fho-alt (1) d'alt 2 den Acht so, do bheith ina réigiún chun crícheanna an Achta so.
Réigiúin, lá ceaptha, tréimhsí íoca do réigiúin agus dátaí cáilitheacha maidir le tréimhsí íoca.
2.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire le hordú, a luaithe is caothúil tar éis dáta an Achta so do rith, na nithe seo leanas—
(a) an Stát do roinnt i pé líomatáistí agus i pé méid líomatáistí is oiriúnach leis agus a dhearbhú gach líomatáiste aca san do bheith ina réigiún chun crícheanna an Achta so,
(b) lá do cheapadh chun a bheith ina lá cheaptha chun crícheanna an Achta so,
(c) an tréimhse do cheapadh (a thosnóidh an lá ceaptha) a bheidh ina céad tréimhse íoca do gach réigiún fé leith,
agus, ag déanamh an orduithe dhó, féadfaidh an tAire céad tréimhsí íoca de réithe éagsúla do cheapadh do réigiúin éagsúla.
(2) Chun crícheanna an Achta so—
(a) is tréimhse íoca d'aon réigiún áirithe gach tréimhse fé leith aca so leanas—
(i) an chéad tréimhse íoca don réigiún san,
(ii) gach tréimhse fé leith de shé seachtaine fichead tar éis na céad tréimhse íoca san;
(b) isé an dáta cáilitheach maidir le gach tréimhse íoca do réigiún ná pé dáta, roimh an tréimhse íoca san, a hordófar.
Liúntais leanbhaí.
3.—(1) I gcás duine—
(a) do bheith, ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir le tréimhse íoca do réigiún áirithe, ina chomhnaí sa réigiún san, agus
(b) do bheith ina shaoránach Éireannach no do bheith, ar feadh an dá bhlian díreach roimh an dáta cáilitheach san, ina chomhnaí sa Stát, agus
(c) do bheith ag cothabháil triúr leanbh no níos mó ar an data cáilitheach san, agus iad ina leanbhaí cáilithe ar an dáta cáilitheach san, agus
(d) dá iarraidh, laistigh den am orduithe agus sa tslí orduithe, liúntas leanbhaí d'íoc leis ar feadh na tréimhse íoca san,
ansan, fé réir an ailt seo, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá—
(i) ar an duine sin do dhéanamh do réir na gcoinníollacha orduithe maidir le céannú, déanfar, ar feadh na tréimhse íoca san, liúntas seachtainiúil, do réir dhá scilling agus reul in aghaidh gach leinbh cháilithe aca san de bhreis ar bheirt, d'íoc leis as airgead arna sholáthar ag an Oireachtas,
(ii) is tuigthe, chun crícheanna an ailt seo, ceart an duine sin chun an liúntas leanbhaí sin d'íoc leis ar feadh na tréimhse íoca san do bheith tagtha chun cóláine ar an dáta cáilitheach san agus ní dhéanfa sé deifir don cheart san má thárlann, tar éis an dáta cháilithigh sin, éinne de na leanbhaí sin d'fháil bháis no do shlánú sé bliana déag no do scur d'aon cheann no cinn de na cáilíochta do bheith aige ar dá mbuadh ba leanbh cáilithe é ar an dáta cáilitheach san.
(2) I gcás duine bheidh i dteideal liúntas leanbhaí d'íoc leis ar feadh tréimhse íoca do réigiún d'athrú a áite comhnaithe ón réigiún san (dá ngairmtear an sean-réigiún sa bhfo-alt so) go réigiún eile, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas—
(a) chun crícheanna an fho-ailt seo—
cialluíonn an focal “reatha” maidir le tréimhse íoca do réigiún, an tréimhse íoca don réigiún san ar lena linn do hathruíodh an áit chomhnaithe,
cialluíonn an focal “neas”, maidir le tréimhse íoca do réigiún, an tréimhse íoca don réigiún san díreach i ndiaidh na tréimhse íoca reatha don réigiún san,
cialluíonn an abairt “crícheanna an choinníll chomhnaíochta” crícheanna míre (a) d'fho-alt (1) den alt so,
cialluíonn an abairt “na coinníollacha orduithe maidir le hathrú áite comhnaithe do thuairisciú” pé coinníollacha bheidh orduithe maidir le hathrú áite comhnaithe do thuairisciú agus le leabhar liúntais do thabhairt suas;
(b) i gcás an áit chomhnaithe d'athrú roimh an lá ceaptha, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas—
(i) is tuigthe, chun crícheanna an choinníll chomhnaíochta, gan an duine sin do bheith ina chomhnaí sa tsean-réigiún ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir leis an gcéad tréimhse íoca don tsean-réigiún,
(ii) má chólíonann an duine sin na coinníollacha orduithe maidir le hathrú áite comhnaithe do thuairisciú, is tuigthe, chun crícheanna an choinníll chomhnaíochta, é bheith ina chomhnaí sa réigiún nua ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir leis an gcéad tréimhse íoca don réigiún nua;
(c) i gcás an áit chomhnaithe d'athrú an lá ceaptha no dá éis, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá—
(i) má chólíonann an duine sin na coinníollacha orduithe maidir le hathrú áite comhnaithe do thuairisciú, leanfa sé, tar éis an áit chomhnaithe d'athrú, de bheith i dteideal an liúntas leanbhaí sin d'íoc leis ar feadh na tréimhse íoca reatha don tsean-réigiún, ach ní leanfaidh amhlaidh mara gcólíona ná go dtí go gcólíonfaidh iad,
(ii) má bhíonn an duine sin, ar dháta a áite comhnaithe d'athrú, i dteideal liúntas leanbhaí d'íoc leis ar feadh na neas-tréimhse íoca don tsean-réigiún, scuirfe sé de bheith i dteideal amhlaidh,
(iii) má chólíonann an duine sin na coinníollacha orduithe maidir le hathrú áite comhnaithe do thuairisciú, is tuigthe, chun crícheanna an choinníll chomhnaíochta, é bheith ina chomhnaí sa réigiún nua ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir leis an tréimhse íoca reatha don réigiún nua, agus, mara mbeidh sé ina chomhnaí sa réigiún nua ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir leis an neas-tréimhse íoca don réigiún nua, é bheith ina chomhnaí amhlaidh, ach an liúntas leanbhaí (más ann) is iníoctha leis ar feadh na tréimhse íoca reatha no na neas-tréimhse íoca don réigiún nua, ní bheidh san iníoctha in aon tseachtain a thuitfidh in aon tréimhse íoca don tsean-régiún.
(3) Chun crícheanna an ailt seo—
(a) is tuigthe, fé réir míre (b) den fho-alt so, leanbh do bheith á chothabháil ag an duine luaidhtear i pé fomhír aca so leanas a bhaineann leis an gcás—
(i) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina ghnáth-chomhnaí lena athair, an t-athair,
(ii) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina ghnáth-chomhnaí lena leas-athair, an leas-athair,
(iii) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina ghnáth-chomhnaí lena mháthair agus ise ina baintrigh no ina comhnaí ar leithligh óna fear céile, an mháthair,
(iv) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina ghnáth-chomhnaí lena leas-mháthair agus ise ina baintrigh no ina comhnaí ar leithligh óna fear céile, an leasmháthair,
(v) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ag fáil oideachais i scoil iostais no é bheith curtha ar altranas d'aon-ghnó chun scoil do fhreastal, an duine lena mbeadh sé ina ghnáth-chomhnaí marach san,
(vi) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina iostaí in óspidéal, an duine lena mbeadh sé ina ghnáth-chomhnaí marach san,
(vii) i gcás an leanbh do bheith ina iostaí i bhforas (seachas óspidéal) agus go mbeadh sé, marach san, ina ghnáth-chomhnaí le duine dhéanann rann-íoc chun costas a chothabhála sa bhforas, an duine sin,
(viii) in aon chás ná baineann aon cheann de na fomhíreanna san roimhe seo leis, ceann an teaghlaigh ar ball comhnaitheach de an leanbh de ghnáth,
agus is tuigthe gan an leanbh do bheith á chothabháil ag aon duine eile;
(b) in aon chás lena mbaineann aon dá cheann d'fhomhíreanna (i) go (iv) de mhír (a) den fho-alt so, is tuigthe an leanbh do bheith á chothabháil ag an duine luaidhtear sa chéad cheann do réir uird de na fomhíreanna bhaineann leis an gcás agus is tuigthe gan é bheith á chothabháil ag aon duine eile;
(c) is leanbh cáilithe leanbh ar an dáta cáilitheach, maidir le tréimhse íoca do réigiún, má bhíonn agus amháin má bhíonn an leanbh, ar an dáta cáilitheach san,—
(i) ina bheathaidh, agus
(ii) ina ghnáth-chomhnaí sa Stát, agus
(iii) gan bheith á choinneáil i scoil cheartúcháin ná i scoil saothair, agus
(iv) gan bheith ina bhuan-chomhnaí in aon fhoras a mbeidh costas a chothabhála ann á íoc go hiomlán ag cólucht rialúcháin an fhorais sin, no as airgead arna sholáthar ag an Oireachtas, no as cistí údaráis áitiúil, no á íoc go hiomlán in aon dá shlí no níos mó aca san.
(4) I gcás duine bheidh i dteideal liúntais leanbhaí ar feadh tréimhse íoca do réigiún d'fháil bháis tar éis an dáta cháilithigh maidir leis an tréimhse íoca san, féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, a ordú an liúntas leanbhaí sin no aon chuid de d'íoc, ar feadh na tréimhse íoca san no ar feadh aon choda dhi, le pé duine is oiriúnach leis.
(5) I gcás duine bheidh i dteideal liúntais leanbhaí ar feadh tréimhse íoca do réigiún do bheith i bpríosún no á choinneáil in óspidéal meabhair-ghalar no gur deimhin leis an Aire go dtug an duine sin faillí sna leanbhaí ar de bhuadh a gcothabhála ar an dáta cáilitheach maidir leis an tréimhse sin a bheidh an duine sin i dteideal amhlaidh, féadfaidh an tAire a ordú an liúntas leanbhaí sin d'íoc le pé duine is oiriúnach leis.
(6) Ní bheidh duine i dteideal, ach amháin fé fho-alt (4) no fo-alt (5) den alt so, níos mó ná aon liúntas leanbhaí amháin d'íoc leis i leith aon tseachtaine áirithe.
Painéal de réiteoirí do bhunú.
4.—(1) Bunófar agus cothabhálfar chun crícheanna an Achta so painéal de pé méid réiteoirí cheapfaidh an tAire Airgeadais o am go ham.
(2) Isé an tAire Airgeadais a cheapfaidh gach ball den phainéal de réiteoirí agus beidh gach ball den tsórt san i seilbh oifige faid is toil leis an Aire sin é.
(3) Is daoine bheidh ag fónamh sa Stát-Sheirbhís a bheidh ina mbaill den phainéal de réiteoirí.
Oifigigh fhiosrúcháin
5.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le ceadú an Aire Airgeadais, pé daoine agus pé méid daoine mheasfaidh is ceart do cheapadh chun bheith ina n-oifigigh fhiosrúcháin chun crícheanna an Achta so.
Dualgais agus comhachta oifigeach fiosrúcháin.
6.—(1) Déanfaidh gach oifigeach fiosrúcháin fiosrú agus bhéarfaidh tuarascbháil don Aire i dtaobh aon éilimh ar liúntas leanbhaí no maidir le liúntas leanbhaí agus i dtaobh aon cheiste eireoidh de dhruim no i dtaobh liúntais leanbhaí chuirfidh an tAire féna bhráid agus féadfaidh, chun críche an fhiosruithe agus na tuarascbhála san, a cheangal ar aon éilitheoir liúntais leanbhaí no ar éinne i gcúram leinbh is foras don éileamh eolas do thabhairt dó agus scríbhní do thaisbeáint dó chun a n-iniúchta, pé eolas agus scríbhní i dtaobh an éilimh sin a theastóidh go réasúnach ón oifigeach fiosrúcháin sin.
(2) Má theipeann ar dhuine ar bith, is éilitheoir ar liúntas leanbhaí, no ar dhuine i gcúram leinbh is foras don éileamh, an t-eolas san do thabhairt d'oifigeach fiosrúcháin is gá dhó do réir an ailt seo do thabhairt don oifigeach san no na scríbhní sin do thaisbeáint d'oifigeach fiosrúcháin chun a n-iniúchta is gá dhó do réir an ailt seo do thaisbeáint don oifigeach san, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
Oifigigh bhreithiúnachta.
7.—Féadfaidh an tAire pé daoine agus pé méid daoine mheasfaidh is ceart do cheapadh chun bheith ina n-oifigigh bhreithiúnachta chun crícheanna an Achta so agus beidh gach duine ceapfar amhlaidh i seilbh oifige mar oifigeach den tsórt san faid is toil leis an Aire é.
Eilithe ar liúntais leanbhaí agus athchomhairc.
8.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an Achta so agus do réir rialachán a déanfar fé, is chun an Aire déanfar gach éileamh ar liúntas leanbhaí no maidir le liúntas leanbhaí, agus is oifigeach breithiúnachta do bhéarfaidh breith ar gach ceist eireoidh de dhruim no i dtaobh an chéanna.
(2) Má bhíonn aon éilitheoir mí-shásta le moladh no breith oifigigh bhreithiúnachta i dtaobh aon liúntais leanbhaí, ansan, ar iarratas do dhéanamh fé cheann na haimsire orduithe, cuirfear an cheist fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí roghnóidh an tAire ón bpainéal de réiteoirí.
(3) Féadfaidh oifigeach breithiúnachta, má mheasann san do bheith ceart, aon cheist a thiocfaidh féna bhráid chun breith do thabhairt uirthi fén alt so féadfaidh, in ionad é féin do thabhairt breithe uirthi, í do chur sa tslí orduithe fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí roghnóidh an tAire ón bpainéal de réiteoirí chun na críche sin.
(4) Fé réir forálacha an chéad ailt ina dhiaidh seo, ní bheidh dul thar an mbreith do bhéarfaidh réiteoir no réiteoirí ar éinní cuirfear féna bhráid no féna mbráid fén alt so.
Molta agus breitheanna d'athscrúdú.
9.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, féadfaidh oifigeach breithiúnachta, am ar bith agus o am go ham, aon mholadh do rinneadh no aon bhreith do tugadh fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo d'athscrúdú má chítear dó an moladh no an bhreith do bheith earráideach toisc fíorais nua do chur in iúl dó o dháta a dhéanta no a thabhartha no earráid éigin do bheith déanta maidir leis an dlí no leis na fíorais, agus na forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le nithe do chur fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí beidh feidhm aca maidir leis an moladh athscrúduithe no leis an mbreith athscrúduithe sin fé mar atá feidhm aca maidir le moladh bunaidh no breith bhunaidh.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag forálacha an fho-ailt deiridh sin roimhe seo—
(a) maidir le moladh no breith i dtaobh ní do cuireadh fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, no
(b) mara mbeidh deireadh leis an aimsir chun a iarraidh go ndéanfaí an ní lena mbaineann an moladh no an bhreith do chur fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí, no
(c) maidir le moladh a dhéanfaidh oifigeach breithiúnachta chun éifeacht do thabhairt do bhreith a bheidh tugtha ag réiteoir no ag réiteoirí,
maran rud é, i gcás a thiocfaidh fé réim míre (a) no míre (b) den fho-alt so, go dtoileoidh an té gur ar iarratas uaidh do rinneadh an cur fé bhráid no bheidh i dteideal an cur fé bhráid d'iarraidh, pé aca é.
(3) Más rud é, in aon chás inar thug réiteoir no réiteoirí breith i dtaobh an ní do cuireadh féna bhráid no féna mbráid fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, go bhfeicfear don Aire go bhféadfaí go cuibhe a iarraidh ar an réiteoir no ar na réiteoirí an bhreith d'athbhreithniú ag féachaint d'fhíorais nua do cuireadh in iúl dó ón dáta ar ar tugadh an bhreith no d'aon nea-réire de dheallramh idir an bhreith agus aon bhreith eile do thug réiteoir no réiteoirí ina dhiaidh sin féadfaidh an tAire a ordú go gcuirfear an ní fé bhráid an réiteora no na réiteoirí chun é d'athbhreithniú agus sa chás san déanfaidh an réiteoir no na réiteoirí é d'athbhreithniú dá réir sin.
(4) Is mar leanas a bheidh éifeacht ag moladh athscrúduithe dhéanfaidh no ag breith athscrúduithe bhéarfaidh oifigeach breithiúnachta fén alt so:—
(a) i gcás ina dtiocfaidh liúntas leanbhaí chun bheith iníoctha le duine ar bith no ina méadófar liúntas leanbhaí de bhuadh an mholta no na breithe athscrúduithe, beidh éifeacht aige—
(i) más toisc fíoras nua do chur in iúl d'oifigeach bhreithiúnachta déanfar no do bhéarfar é, amhail ón dáta ar ar hiarradh athscrúdú.
(ii) in aon chás eile, amhail ón dáta ar a dtáinig an moladh bunaidh no an bhreith bhunaidh in éifeacht;
(b) i gcás ina scuirfidh liúntas leanbhaí de bheith iníoctha no ina laghdófar liúntas leanbhaí de bhuadh an mholta no na breithe athscrúduithe, beidh éifeacht aige—
(i) más amhlaidh a déanfar no bhéarfar é toisc an moladh bunaidh do dhéanamh no an bhreith bhunaidh do thabhairt de bhíthin aon ráitis no aithrise cúise (i scríbhinn no o bhéal) dob eol do neach a dhéanta a bheith bréagach no míthreorach i bponc tábhachtach, amhail ón dáta ar a dtáinig an moladh bunaidh no an bhreith bhunaidh in éifeacht, no
(ii) in aon chás eile, amhail ón dáta ar a dtabharfar fógra i dtaobh an mholta no na breithe athscrúduithe don duine lena mbainfidh.
(5) I gcás réiteoir no réiteoirí d'athscrúdú breithe fén alt so, beidh éifeacht ag an mbreith athscrúduithe, agus ag aon mholadh déanfar chun éifeacht do thabhairt di, o pé dáta chinnfidh an réiteoir no na réiteoirí.
Comhacht ag réiteoirí chun fianaise do ghlacadh fé mhionn.
10.—Beidh comhacht ag réiteoir no ag réiteoirí chun fianaise do ghlacadh fé mhionn ar éinní cuirfear féna bhráid no féna mbráid fén Acht so d'éisteacht agus chuige sin féadfaidh an réiteoir sin no, i gcás dhá réiteoir no níos mó do bheith ann, réiteoir ar bith acu san daoine thiocfaidh i láthair mar fhínnithe ag an éisteacht san do chur fé mhionn.
Liúntais leanbhaí a bheidh íoctha thar an gceart d'aisíoc.
11.—(1) Má gheibhtear amach tráth ar bith go raibh duine ag fáil liúntais leanbhaí ar feadh aon tréimhse íoca do réigiún ná raibh an duine sin ina theideal ar a feadh no go raibh sé ag fáil liúntais leanbhaí do réir ráta is aoirde ná an ráta bhainfidh leis an gcás, ansan, dlighfidh an duine sin no, i gcás an duine sin do bheith marbh, ionadaí pearsanta an duine sin íoc do dhéanamh leis an Aire, arna éileamh san air, in aon tsuimeanna do híocadh leis an duine sin alos an liúntais leanbhaí ar feadh na tréimhse íoca san no i suim is có-ionann leis an deifríocht idir liúntas leanbhaí do réir an ráta ar dá réir do híocadh é agus liúntas leanbhaí do réir an ráta bhainfidh leis an gcás, do réir mar a bheidh.
(2) Aon tsuim is iníoctha ag duine leis an Aire fén alt so beidh sí ina fiacha bheidh dlite ag an Aire ar an duine sin agus féadfaidh an tAire í bhaint amach mar fhiacha gnáth-chonnartha i gcúirt dlínse inniúla no trína baint as aon íocaíocht no íocaíochta alos liúntais leanbhaí chun a mbeidh teideal ag an duine sin ina dhiaidh sin.
(3) Gach suim a haisíocfar no bhainfidh an tAire amach fén alt so déanfar í d'íoc isteach sa Stát-Chiste no do chur chun tairbhe don Stát-Chiste i pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgeadais.
(4) Beidh feidhm ag na forálacha san roimhe seo den alt so gus na modhnuithe riachtanacha ortha i gcás duine lena n-íocfar liúntas leanbhaí fé aon fhoráil d'fhorálacha an Achta so no rialachán a déanfar fé agus nach é an duine é dar deonadh an liúntas leanbhaí sin.
Pionós mar gheall ar ráitis bhréagacha.
12.—(1) Gach duine—
(a) dhéanfaidh go feasach aon ráiteas no aithris chúise (i scríbhinn no o bhéal) is eol dó do bheith bréagach no míthreorach in aon phonc tábhachtach d'fhonn liúntas leanbhaí d'fháil no do choimeád ar marthain dó féin no d'éinne eile no d'fhonn liúntas leanbhaí do réir ráta is aoirde ná an ráta bhaineann leis an gcás d'fháil no do choimeád ar marthain dó féin no d'éinne eile, no
(b) dhéanfaidh go feasach íoc d'fháil no leanúint d'íoc do ghlacadh i liúntas leanbhaí ná beidh teideal aige chuige, no
(c) gheobhaidh no ghlacfaidh go feasach aon íocaíocht alos liúntais leanbhaí a bheidh, ar chúis ar bith, gan bheith iníoctha leis,
beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint fhichead do chur air no príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nach sia ná trí mhí.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag na forálacha san roimhe seo den alt so gus na modhnuithe riachtanacha ortha i gcás duine lena n-íocfar liúntas leanbhaí fé aon fhoráil d'fhorálacha an Achta so no rialachán a déanfar fé agus nach é an duine é dar deonadh an liúntas leanbhaí sin.
Deimhnithe breithe.
13.—I gcás inar gá, chun crícheanna an Achta so, aois dhuine ar bith do chruthú tré dheimhniú breithe do thabhairt i láthair beidh duine ar bith, ar iarratas i scríbhinn do thíolacadh i pé fuirm a bheidh orduithe agus ina mbeidh pé sonnraí bheidh orduithe ag an Aire Riaghaltais Aiteamhail agus Sláinte Poiblidhe agus ar tháille sé pingne d'íoc, i dteideal cóip dheimhnithe d'iontráil bhreithe an duine sin i gclár na mbreitheanna d'fháil agus í fé láimh an chlárathóra no an cheann-chlárathóra no an duine eile ag á mbeidh coimeád an chláir sin, agus déanfaidh gach clárathóir breitheanna, agus gach ceann-chlárathóir no duine eile ag á mbeidh coimeád an chláir, fuirmeacha i gcóir an iarratais sin do chur ar fáil in aisce má hiarrtar iad.
Gan áird do thabhairt ar liúntais leanbhaí le linn airgead damáiste fé na Fatal Accidents Acts agus cúiteamh fé na hAchtanna um Chúiteamh do Lucht Oibre do mheas.
14.—(1) Nuair a bheidh airgead damáiste á mheas in aon aicsean fé na Fatal Accidents Acts, 1846 to 1908, pé aca roimh an Acht so do rith no dá éis sin do bunuíodh é, ní tabharfar áird ar aon liúntas leanbhaí.
(2) Nuair a bheidh méid an chúitimh á áireamh fé fho-chlás (ii) de chlás (a) de mhír (1) den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, no fé Rialacha 2 no 4 den Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht um Chúiteamh do Lucht Oibre, 1934 (Uimh. 9 de 1934), pé aca roimh an Acht so do rith no dá éis sin do bunuíodh imeachta chun an cúiteamh san do bhaint amach, ní tabharfar áird ar aon liúntas leanbhaí.
Gan áird do thabhairt ar liúntais leanbhaí le linn acfuinn, etc., d'áireamh.
15.—(1) Ní háirmheofar ioncum as liúntas leanbhaí—
(a) mar acfuinn chun crícheanna—
(i) Achtanna na bPinsean Sean-Aoise, 1908 go 1938, ná
(ii) na nAchtanna um Chongnamh Dhíomhaointis, 1933 go 1940, ná
(iii) na nAchtanna um Pinsin do Bhaintreacha agus do Dhílleachtaithe, 1935 go 1940, ná
(b) chun crícheanna aon fhorálacha laghdúcháin in aon achtachán a bhaineann le haoisliúntais no pinsin.
(2) Nuair a bheidh fóirithin á deonadh, ar shlí seachas i bhforas, do dhuine bheidh ag fáil liúntais leanbhaí no bheidh ina theideal, ní dhéanfaidh údarás congnaimh phuiblí aon liúntas leanbhaí den tsórt san is iníoctha do chur san áireamh ach amháin sa mhéid gur mó an liúntas leanbhaí sin ná cúig scillinge sa tseachtain.
Liúntais leanbhaí do bheith neamhionaistrithe.
16.—(1) Gach sannadh dá ndéanfar agus gach muirear dá gcuirfear, agus gach có-aontú chun sannadh do dhéanamh no muirear do chur, ar liúntas leanbhaí beidh sé gan bhrí agus ar éinne d'fhéimhiú bheidh i dteideal liúntas leanbhaí ní raghaidh an liúntas leanbhaí chun aon iontaobhaí ná duine eile bheidh ag gníomhú thar ceann na bhfiach-éilitheoirí.
(2) Ní déanfar aon tsuimeanna bheidh á bhfáil ag duine ar bith i bhfuirm liúntais leanbhaí do chur san áireamh nuair a bheidh a acfuinn á háireamh chun crícheanna ailt 6 den Debtors Act (Ireland), 1872.
Feidhm ag Acht na Leabhar Pinsean (Toirmeasc ar Aistriú), 1932.
17.—Is tuigthe, chun crícheanna Achta na Leabhar Pinsean (Toirmeasc ar Aistriú), 1932 (Uimh. 1 de 1932), gach leabhar liúntais do bheith ina scríbhinn lena mbaineann an tAcht deiridh sin, agus léireofar an tAcht deiridh sin agus beidh éifeacht aige dá réir sin.
Teora ama chun íocaíochta d'fháil i leith liúntaisí leanbhaí.
18.—Ní híocfar suim i leith liúntais leanbhaí mara bhfaightear íocaíocht na suime fé cheann trí mhí tar éis an dáta ar a dtiocfa sí chun bheith iníoctha.
Comhacht chun deacrachta do dhíochur.
19.—(1) Má eiríonn, ar shlí ar bith, aon deacracht maidir leis an Acht so do chur i ngníomh féadfaidh an tAire, le toiliú an Aire Airgeadais, éinní do dhéanamh, le hordú, a chífear is gá no is oiriúnach chun an tAcht so do chur i ngníomh agus féadfar le haon ordú den tsórt san forálacha an Achta so do mhodhnú sa mhéid a chífear is gá no is oiriúnach chun an t-ordú do chur in éifeacht.
(2) Gach ordú dhéanfaidh an tAire fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dhéanann ceachtar Tigh den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis an t-ordú san do leagadh féna bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an t-ordú san curtha ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do bhailíocht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén ordú san.
(3) Ní féadfar aon ordú do dhéanamh fén alt so tar éis bliain do bheith caithte o dháta an Achta so do rith.
Rialacháin.
20.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin do dhéanamh go generálta chun an tAcht so do chur in éifeacht agus, gan dochar do gheneráltacht an mhéide sin roimhe seo, go sonnrach—
(a) chun a ordú cadé an tslí ina ndéanfar, agus cadiad na tráthanna déanfar, liúntais leanbhaí d'íoc;
(b) chun a ordú cadé an nós imeachta leanfar ar cheist do chur fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí fén Acht so, agus chun feidhm do thabhairt d'aon chinn áirithe d'fhorálacha an Common Law Procedure Amendment Act (Ireland), 1856, chun crícheanna aon churtha-fé-bhráid den tsórt san, agus chun feidhm aon choda áirithe d'fhorálacha eile an Achta san do dhúnadh amach;
(c) chun a chumasú do dhuine lena mbeidh liúntas leanbhaí iníoctha duine eile d'ainmniú chun an liúntas leanbhaí sin do ghlacadh thar ceann an duine chéadluaidhte;
(d) chun a údarú, sna cásanna san a hordófar, aon tsuim d'íoc i bhfuirm liúntais leanbhaí i rith aon tréimhse idir tráth aon éilimh do dhéanamh no aon cheiste do chur fé bhráid réiteora no réiteoirí agus tráth na breithe deiridh do thabhairt ar an éileamh no ar an gceist;
(e) chun a shocrú go bhféadfar, d'ainneoin éinní atá in alt 18 (a bhaineann le teora ama chun íoc d'fháil i leith liúntaisí leanbhaí) den Acht so, ach fé réir na rialachán—
(i) íoc do dhéanamh, i gcás duine do bhí ag fáil liúntais leanbhaí d'fháil bháis, in aon tsuim do tháinig chun bheith iníoctha i leith an liúntais leanbhaí laistigh de thrí mhí roimh dháta a bháis ach nár híocadh, agus
(ii) íoc do dhéanamh, i gcás duine d'fháil bháis do bhí i dteideal liúntais leanbhaí agus do rinne éileamh á lorg, in aon tsuim do thiocfadh chun bheith iníoctha i leith an liúntais leanbhaí go dtí dáta a bháis dá ngéilltí dá éileamh díreach sara bhfuair sé bás;
(f) chun a shocrú go bhféadfar, fé réir na rialachán, déanamh in éamais promháide no cruthúnais eile ar theideal ionadaithe pearsanta an duine mhairbh i gcás aon tsuime den tsórt a luaidhtear sa mhír dheiridh sin roimhe seo, agus go bhféadfar aon tsuim den tsórt san d'íoc leis na daoine no do roinnt ar na daoine dheallróidh, sa tslí foráltar leis na rialacháin, bheith i dteideal an tsuim sin no aon chuid di d'fháil, mar dhaoine bheidh i dteideal an chéanna go tairbhiúil fé aon ionstruim thiomantach no mar neasacháin ghaoil, no mar chreidiúnaithe ar an duine marbh no í d'íoc le duine no daoine áirithe no do roinnt ar dhuine no daoine áirithe aca san, gan an chuid eile do bhac, no, i gcás aon nea-dhlisteanas do bhaint leis an duine marbh no le haon duine clainne leis, í d'íoc le pé duine no daoine no í do roinnt ar pé duine no daoine a hordófar leis na rialacháin;
(g) chun éinní no aon rud d'ordú dá dtagartar san Acht so mar ní no mar rud atá orduithe no le hordú.
(2) Rialacháin fén alt so dhéanfaidh socrú chun liúntais leanbhaí d'íoc tré Oifig an Phuist, is le toiliú an Aire Puist agus Telegrafa déanfar iad.
Costais riaracháin.
21.—Na costais uile féna raghfar chun an tAcht so do riaradh íocfar iad, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
Gearr-theideal.
22.—Féadfar an tAcht Liúntaisí Leanbhaí, 1944, do ghairm den Acht so.
Number 2 of 1944.
CHILDREN'S ALLOWANCES ACT, 1944.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section | |
Application of Pension Books (Prohibition of Alienation) Act, 1932. | |
Time limit for obtaining payments on account of children's Allowances. | |
Acts Referred to | |
No. 9 of 1934 | |
No. 1 of 1932 | |
Number 2 of 1944.
CHILDREN'S ALLOWANCES ACT, 1944.
Definitions generally.
1.—In this Act—
the expression “allowance book” means any document issued by the Minister to a person and upon the delivery or production or in respect of the possession of which by such person on or after a date indicated expressly or by implication in such document any children's allowance is payable to such person;
the expression “the appointed day” means the day appointed by the order to be made under sub-section (1) of section 2 of this Act, to be the appointed day for the purposes of this Act;
the word “child” means a person under the age of sixteen years;
the expression “children's allowance” means an allowance under section 3 of this Act;
the expression “deciding officer” means a deciding officer appointed under section 7 of this Act;
the expression “the first payment period”, in relation to a region, means the period fixed, by the order to be made under sub-section (1) of section 2 of this Act, as the first payment period for that region;
the expression “investigation officer” means an investigation officer appointed under section 5 of this Act;
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Industry and Commerce;
the expression “payment period”, in relation to a region, means a period which is by virtue of sub-section (2) of section 2 of this Act a payment period for that region;
the word “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act;
the expression “the qualifying date”, in relation to the payment period for a region, means the date which is, by virtue of sub-section (2) of section 2 of this Act, the qualifying date in relation to that payment period;
the word “region” means an area which is declared, by the order to be made under sub-section (1) of section 2 of this Act, to be a region for the purposes of this Act.
Regions, appointed day, payment-periods for regions and qualifying dates in relation to payment periods.
2.—(1) The Minister shall, as soon as conveniently may be after the passing of this Act, by order do the following things—
(a) group the State into such and so many areas as he thinks fit and declare each such area to be a region for the purposes of this Act,
(b) appoint a day to be the appointed day for the purposes of this Act,
(c) fix the period (which shall commence on the appointed day) which is to be the first payment period for each region,
and in making the order the Minister may fix first payment periods of different durations for different regions.
(2) For the purposes of this Act—
(a) each of the following periods shall be a payment period for a particular region—
(i) the first payment period for that region,
(ii) each successive period of twenty-six weeks after the said first payment period;
(b) the qualifying date in relation to each payment period for a region shall be such date preceding the said payment period as may be prescribed.
Children's allowances.
3.—(1) Where a person—
(a) was, on the qualifying date in relation to a payment period for a particular region, resident in that region, and
(b) either is an Irish citizen or was, for the two years immediately preceding the said qualifying date, resident in the State, and
(c) was maintaining, on the said qualifying date, three or more children who are qualified children on the said qualifying date, and
(d) has, within the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner, applied for the payment during the said payment period of a children's allowance,
then, subject to this section, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say—
(i) such person, upon complying with the prescribed conditions as to identification, shall, during the said payment period, be paid, out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, a weekly allowance calculated at the rate of two shillings and six pence for each such qualified child in excess of two,
(ii) the right of such person to payment of such children's allowance during the said payment period shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to have accrued on the said qualifying date and shall not be affected by reason of any of such children, after the said qualifying date, dying, attaining the age of sixteen years or ceasing to possess any one or more of the qualifications by virtue of which he was a qualified child on the said qualifying date.
(2) Where a person, who is entitled to be paid a children's allowance during a payment period for a region, changes his residence from that region (in this sub-section referred to as the former region) to another region, the following provisions shall have effect—
(a) for the purposes of this sub-section—
the word “current”, in relation to a payment period for a region, means the payment period for that region during which the change of residence took place.
the word “next”, in relation to a payment period for a region, means the payment period for that region next following the current payment period for that region,
the expression “the purposes of the residential condition” means the purposes of paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) of this section,
the expression “the prescribed conditions in relation to notification of change of residence” means such conditions in relation to notification of change of residence and surrender of allowance book as may be prescribed;
(b) in case the change of residence took place before the appointed day, the following provisions shall have effect—
(i) such person shall, for the purposes of the residential condition, be deemed not to have been resident in the former region on the qualifying date in relation to the first payment period for the former region,
(ii) if such person complies with the prescribed conditions in relation to notification of change of residence, he shall, for the purposes of the residential condition, be deemed to have been resident in the new region on the qualifying date in relation to the first payment period for the new region;
(c) in case the change of residence took place on or after the appointed day, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say—
(i) if such person complies with the prescribed conditions in relation to notification of change of residence, he shall continue after the change of residence to be entitled to payment during the current payment period for the former region of the said children's allowance, but shall not so continue unless and until he has so complied,
(ii) if such person was at the date of change of residence entitled to payment of a children's allowance during the next payment period for the former region, he shall cease to be so entitled,
(iii) if such person complies with the prescribed conditions in relation to notification of change of residence, he shall, for the purposes of the residential condition, be deemed to have been resident in the new region on the qualifying date in relation to the current payment period for the new region and, if not resident in the new region on the qualifying date in relation to the next payment period for the new region, to have been so resident, but the children's allowance (if any) payable to him during the current or the next payment period for the new region shall not be payable during any week which falls within any payment period for the former region.
(3) For the purposes of this section—
(a) subject to paragraph (b) of this sub-section, a child shall be regarded as being maintained by the person mentioned in whichever of the following subparagraphs is applicable—
(i) where the child normally resides with his father, the father,
(ii) where the child normally resides with his step-father, the step-father,
(iii) where the child normally resides with his mother, who is a widow or is living apart from her husband, the mother,
(iv) where the child normally resides with his step-mother, who is a widow or is living apart from her husband, the step-mother,
(v) where the child is being educated at a boarding school or is boarded out for the sole purpose of attending school, the person with whom he would otherwise normally reside,
(vi) where the child is an inmate of a hospital, the person with whom he would otherwise normally reside,
(vii) where the child is an inmate of an institution (other than a hospital) and would otherwise normally reside with a person who contributes towards the cost of his maintenance in the institution, that person,
(viii) in any case to which none of the foregoing sub-paragraphs is applicable, the head of a household of which the child is normally a resident member,
and the child shall be deemed not to be maintained by any other person;
(b) in any case to which any two of subparagraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph (a) of this sub-section are applicable, the child shall be regarded as being maintained by the person mentioned in the first in order of the applicable subparagraphs and shall be deemed not to be maintained by any other person;
(c) a child shall be a qualified child on the qualifying date in relation to a payment period for a region if, but only if, on the said qualifying date, the child—
(i) was alive, and
(ii) was ordinarily resident in the State, and
(iii) was not detained in a reformatory or an industrial school, and
(iv) was not permanently resident in any institution, the costs of his maintenance wherein are wholly defrayed by the governing body of that institution, or out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, or out of the funds of a local authority, or are wholly defrayed in any two or more of such ways.
(4) Where a person, who is entitled to a children's allowance during a payment period for a region, dies after the qualifying date in relation to that payment period, the Minister may, if he thinks fit, direct that the said children's allowance or any part thereof shall during the said payment period or any part thereof be paid to such person as he thinks fit.
(5) Where a person who is entitled to a children's allowance during a payment period for a region is in prison or detained in a mental home or the Minister is satisfied that such person has neglected the children by virtue of the maintenance of whom on the qualifying date in relation to such period such person is so entitled, the Minister may direct the said children's allowance to be paid to such person as he thinks fit.
(6) A person shall not be entitled, otherwise than under sub-section (4) or sub-section (5) of this section, to payment of more than one children's allowance in respect of any week.
Establishment of panel of referees.
4.—(1) There shall be established and maintained for the purposes of this Act a panel of such number of referees as the Minister for Finance may from time to time appoint.
(2) Every member of the panel of referees shall be appointed by the Minister for Finance and shall hold office during the pleasure of the said Minister.
(3) Members of the panel of referees shall be persons serving in the Civil Service.
Investigation officers.
5.—The Minister may, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance, appoint such and so many persons as he thinks proper to be investigation officers for the purposes of this Act.
Duties and powers of investigation officers.
6.—(1) Every investigation officer shall investigate into and report to the Minister upon any claim for or in respect of a children's allowance and any question arising on or in relation to a children's allowance which may be referred to him by the Minister, and may, for the purpose of such investigation and report, require any claimant for a children's allowance or any person in charge of a child in respect of whom the claim is based to furnish him with such information and to produce to him for inspection such documents relative to such claim as such investigation officer may reasonably require.
(2) If any person, being a claimant for a children's allowance or a person in charge of a child in respect of whom the claim is based, fails to furnish to an investigation officer such information as he is required by this section to furnish to such officer or to produce to an investigation officer for inspection such documents as he is required by this section to produce to such officer, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Deciding officers.
7.—The Minister may appoint such and so many persons as he thinks proper to be deciding officers for the purposes of this Act, and every person so appointed shall hold office as such officer during the pleasure of the Minister.
Claims for children's allowances and appeals.
8.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and in accordance with regulations made thereunder, every claim for or in respect of a children's allowance shall be made to the Minister, and every question arising thereon or in relation thereto shall be determined by a deciding officer.
(2) If any claimant is dissatisfied by the award or decision of a deciding officer in respect of any children's allowance, the question shall, on application being made within the prescribed time, be referred to one or more referees selected by the Minister from the panel of referees.
(3) A deciding officer may, if he so thinks proper, instead of determining it himself, refer in the prescribed manner any question which falls to be determined by him under this section to one or more referees selected by the Minister from the panel of referees for the purpose.
(4) The decision of a referee or referees on any matter referred to him or them under this section shall, subject to the provisions of the next following section, be final and conclusive.
Revision of awards and decisions.
9.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a deciding officer may, at any time and from time to time, revise any award made or decision given under the immediately preceding section if it appears to him that the award or decision was erroneous either in view of new facts which have been brought to his notice since the date on which it was made or given or by reason of some mistake having been made with respect to the law or the facts, and the provisions of this Act as to reference shall apply to such revised award or decision in the same manner as they apply as respects an original award or decision.
(2) The provisions of the immediately preceding sub-section shall not apply—
(a) to an award or decision relating to a matter which has been referred to a referee or referees under the immediately preceding section, or
(b) if the time for making an application to have the matter to which the award or decision relates referred to a referee or referees has not expired, or
(c) to an award made by a deciding officer for the purpose of giving effect to a decision given by a referee or referees,
unless, in a case falling within .paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this sub-section, the person on whose application the reference was made or who is entitled to apply to have the matter referred, as the case may be, consents.
(3) If, in any case in which a decision has been given by a referee or referees with respect to the matter referred to him or them under the immediately preceding section, it appears to the Minister that the referee or referees might properly be asked to reconsider the decision in view either of new facts which have been brought to his notice since the date on which the decision was given or any apparent inconsistency between the decision and any other decision subsequently given by a referee or referees, the Minister may direct that the matter shall be referred to the referee or referees for reconsideration, and in that case the referee or referees shall reconsider it accordingly.
(4) A revised award made or a revised decision given by a deciding officer under this section shall take effect as follows:—
(a) where by virtue of the revised award or decision a children's allowance will become payable to any person or a children's allowance will be increased, it shall take effect—
(i) if made or given by reason of a new fact having been brought to the notice of a deciding officer, as from the date on which the application for revision was made,
(ii) in any other case, as from the date on which the original award or the original decision took effect;
(b) where by virtue of the revised award or decision a children's allowance will cease to be payable or be reduced, it shall take effect—
(i) if made or given owing to the original award or the original decision having been made or given by reason of any statement or representation (whether written or oral) which was to the knowledge of the person making it false or misleading in a material respect, as from the date on which the original award or the original decision took effect, or
(ii) in any other case, as from the date on which notice of the revised award or decision is given to the person concerned.
(5) Where a decision is revised under this section by a referee or referees, the revised decision and any award made for the purpose of giving effect thereto shall have effect from such date as the referee or referees may determine.
Powers of referees to take evidence on oath.
10.—A referee or referees shall on the hearing of any matter referred to him or them under this Act have power to take evidence on oath, and for that purpose such referee or, where there are two or more referees, any one of such referees may administer oaths to persons attending as witnesses at such hearing.
Repayment of children's allowances overpaid.
11.—(1) If it is found at any time that a person has been in receipt of a children's allowance during any payment period for a region during which such person was not entitled thereto, or has been in receipt of a children's allowance at a higher rate than that appropriate to the case, then such person or, in case such person is dead, the personal representative of such person, shall be liable to pay to the Minister on demand any sums paid to such person in respect of the children's allowance during such payment period or, as the case may be, a sum representing the difference between a children's allowance at the rate actually paid and a children's allowance at the rate appropriate to the case.
(2) Any sum payable by a person to the Minister under this section shall be a debt due by such person to the Minister and may be recovered by the Minister as a simple contract debt in a court of competent jurisdiction or by deduction from any payment or payments on account of a children's allowance to which such person subsequently becomes entitled.
(3) Every sum repaid or recovered by the Minister under this section shall be paid into or disposed of for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance may direct.
(4) The foregoing provisions of this section shall apply with the necessary modifications in the case of a person to whom a children's allowance is paid under any of the provisions of this Act or regulations made thereunder and who is not the person to whom such children's allowance is granted.
Penalty for false statements.
12.—(1) Every person—
(a) who, for the purpose of obtaining or continuing a children's allowance, either for himself or for any other person, or for the purpose of obtaining or continuing a children's allowance for himself or for any other person at a rate higher than that appropriate to the case, knowingly makes any statement or representation (whether written or oral) which is to his knowledge false or misleading in any material respect, or
(b) who knowingly obtains payment of, or continues to receive, a children's allowance to which he is not entitled, or
(c) who knowingly obtains or receives any payment as on account of a children's allowance which for any reason whatsoever is not payable to him,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds or to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months.
(2) The foregoing provisions of this section shall apply with the necessary modifications in the case of a person to whom a children's allowance is paid under any of the provisions of this Act or regulations made thereunder and who is not the person to whom such children's allowance is granted.
Birth certificates.
13.—Where, for the purposes of this Act, the age of any person is required to be proved by the production of a certificate of birth, any person shall, on presenting a written requisition, in such form and containing such particulars as may be directed by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, and on payment of a fee of sixpence, be entitled to obtain a certified copy of the entry of the birth of that person in the register of births, under the hand of the registrar or superintendent registrar or other person having the custody thereof, and forms for such requisition shall on request be supplied without any charge by every registrar of births and by every superintendent registrar or other person having the custody of the register.
Exclusion of children's allowances in assessment of damages under the Fatal Accidents Acts and compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
14.—(1) In assessing damages in any action under the Fatal Accidents Acts, 1846 to 1908, whether commenced before or after the passing of this Act, there shall not be taken into account any children's allowance.
(2) In computing the amount of compensation under sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of paragraph (1) of the First Schedule to the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, or under Rules 2 or 4 of the Second Schedule to the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934 (No. 9 of 1934), whether proceedings to recover such compensation have been commenced before or after the passing of this Act, there shall not be taken into account any children's allowance.
Exclusion of children's allowances in reckoning means, etc.
15.—(1) Income from a children's allowance shall not be reckoned—
(a) as means for the purposes of—
(i) the Old Age Pensions Acts, 1908 to 1938, or
(ii) the Unemployment Assistance Acts, 1933 to 1940, or
(iii) the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts, 1935 to 1940, or
(b) for the purposes of any abatement provisions in any enactment relating to superannuation or pensions.
(2) In granting relief, otherwise than in an institution, to a person in receipt of or entitled to receive a children's allowance, a public assistance authority shall not take into consideration any such children's allowance payable, except so far as such children's allowance exceeds five shillings per week.
Children's allowances to be inalienable.
16.—(1) Every assignment of or charge on, and every agreement to assign or charge, a children's allowance shall be void and on the bankruptcy of any person entitled to a children's allowance the children's allowance shall not pass to any trustee or other person acting on account of the creditors.
(2) Any sums received by any person by way of a children's allowance shall not be included in calculating his means for the purposes of section 6 of the Debtors Act (Ireland), 1872.
Application of Pension Books (Prohibition of Alienation) Act, 1932.
17.—Every allowance book shall be deemed, for the purposes of the Pension Books (Prohibition of Alienation) Act, 1932 (No. 1 of 1932), to be a document to which the said last-mentioned Act applies, and the said last-mentioned Act shall be construed and have effect accordingly.
Time limit for obtaining payments on account of children's allowances.
18.—A sum shall not be paid on account of a children's allowance if payment of the sum is not obtained within three months after the date on which it has become payable.
Power to remove difficulties.
19.—(1) If in any respect any difficulty arises in bringing into operation this Act, the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may by order do anything which appears to be necessary or expedient for bringing this Act into operation, and any such order may modify the provisions of this Act so far as may appear necessary or expedient for carrying the order into effect.
(2) Every order made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireaehtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either House of the Oireaehtas within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which such House has sat after the order is laid before it annulling such order, such order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such order.
(3) No order may be made under this section after the expiration of one year from the date of the passing of this Act.
Regulations.
20.—(1) The Minister may make regulations generally for carrying this Act into effect, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, in particular—
(a) for prescribing the manner in which and the times at which children's allowances are to be paid;
(b) for prescribing the procedure to be followed on references under this Act, and for applying for the purposes of any such reference any of the provisions of the Common Law Procedure Amendment Act (Ireland), 1856, and for excluding the application of any of the other provisions of that Act;
(c) for enabling a person to whom a children's allowance is payable to nominate another person to receive the said children's allowance on behalf of the first-mentioned person;
(d) for authorising in such cases as may be prescribed the payment of any sum by way of children's allowance during any period intervening between the making of any claim or the referring of any question and the final determination of the claim or question;
(e) for providing that, notwithstanding anything contained in section 18 (which relates to time limit for obtaining payments on account of children's allowances) of this Act, but subject to the regulations—
(i) in the case of the death of a person who was in receipt of a children's allowance, payment may be made of any sum which became payable within three months before the date of his death on account of the children's allowance, but has not been paid, and
(ii) in the case of the death of a person who being entitled to a children's allowance had made a claim thereto, payment may be made of any sum which, if his claim had been allowed immediately before his death, would have become payable on account of the children's allowance up to the date of his death;
(f) for providing that, subject to the regulations, probate or other proof of the title of the personal representatives of the deceased person may be dispensed with in the case of any such sum as is mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph, and that any such sum may be paid or distributed to or among the persons appearing in manner provided by the regulations to be entitled to receive the said sum or any part thereof, either as being persons beneficially entitled thereto under any testamentary instrument or as next of kin, or as being creditors of the deceased person, or to or among any one or more of such persons exclusive of the others, or, in the case of any illegitimacy of the deceased person or any child of his, to or among such person or persons as may be directed by the regulations;
(g) for prescribing any matter or thing referred to in this Act as prescribed or to be prescribed.
(2) Regulations under this section which provide for the payment of children's allowances through the Post Office shall be made with the consent of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
Administrative expenses.
21.—All expenses incurred in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Short title.
22.—This Act may be cited as the Children's Allowances Act, 1944.