John Ellis
Question:47 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department will now allow a free electricity allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim which was lodged on 25 April 1991.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The claim by the person concerned to a free electricity allowance is currently with the social welfare officer for investigation. His previous applications for this allowance had to be rejected as his son was residing with him.
The social welfare officer called to the claimant's residence early in May to determine if the composition of his household had changed. However, nobody was available for interview on that occasion. A further visit will be made shortly.
As soon as the investigation is completed, an early decision on his entitlement to this allowance will be made and he will be notified of the outcome immediately.
John V. Farrelly
Question:48 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive money for school uniforms for her daughters commencing school in September 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Earlier this week I announced details of an improved back-to-school clothing and footwear scheme for 1991. The scheme, which I introduced last year, is designed to assist recipients of social welfare and health board payments in meeting the cost of children's school uniforms and footwear.
The scheme, which is administered by the regional health boards, will commence on 1 July to ensure that families can receive their payments well in advance of the start of the school year. Health boards will continue to accept applications until the end of September and intending applicants should apply to the community welfare officer at their local health centre.
The North-Eastern Health Board have indicated that an application has not been received from the person mentioned in the Deputy's question.
I have made a number of changes to this year's scheme with the result that it is now significantly improved on last year's scheme. Income limits have been standardised throughout the country and for the first time family income supplement recipients have been included in the scheme.
An additional improvement will mean that long term recipients including family income supplement recipients, will receive the allowance for children up to 21 years who are in full-time education. The allowance, which is £40 for each eligible child in second level education and £25 for each eligible child in primary education represents a welcome boost for families faced with back-to-school expenses.