Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

111 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of pupils of the junior cycle in South Presentation Secondary School, Cork, were told this week that they must find another secondary school for their children for next year; if assistance will be granted to them for the cost of new uniforms required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3474/94]

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The back to school clothing and footwear scheme, which I introduced in 1990, is designed to assist recipients of social welfare and health board payments in meeting the costs of children's school uniforms and footwear. People on low incomes who are in receipt of family income supplement may also qualify for assistance under the scheme.

The scheme, which is administered by the health boards as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, operates from the beginning of June to the end of September every year. The rates of allowance are £50 for a child attending secondary school and £35 for a child attending primary school.

The back to school clothing and footwear scheme is administered in the Cork area by the Southern Health Board and applications for the allowance are processed by community welfare officers at the various health centres.

The board has advised that arrangements for the 1995 scheme will be advertised in the local newspapers early next May. People who qualified for the allowance this year who reside in the Southern Health Board area will automatically receive an application form for completion in respect of the 1995 scheme.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a health board may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need which could include assistance with the cost of school clothing. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health board payment; however, each case would be decided on its merits by the health board. Parents who feel that they may be eligible for such a payment should contact the community welfare officer at their local health centre.