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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Helen Keogh

Question:

17 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there are any special provisions to assist families with the purchase of clothing for first communion and confirmation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme a health board may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need, including assistance with the cost of clothing. It is recognised that confirmation and communion times may involve families in additional expense and assistance may be provided towards these costs.

The back-to-school clothing and footwear scheme, which I introduced in 1990, also enables people on low incomes, including family income supplement, to qualify for assistance towards the cost of children's clothes. This scheme is administered by the health boards and expenditure was in the region of £10 million in 1993. In 1992 some 89,000 families were assisted in respect of 257,000 children.
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