Vol. 572 No. 5
200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications received by the health board for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in 2003 to date; the number of applications granted; the number refused; and the number of children involved. [23737/03]
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance, the purpose of which is to provide assistance towards the cost of school clothing and footwear for children attending primary and post primary schools, is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards.
In 2003, 77,349 applications, in respect of some 153,000 children, have been granted in the period to 14 October 2003. The number of applications received and the number of refusals are not, however, available at this time.
In response to a previous question from the Deputy in relation to the scheme it was stated that, at that time, 75,730 applications had been received up to the date in question. The figure in question, however, related to the number of awards actually made. This error is regretted. Information on the number of applications received will be available from the health boards later in the year and will be conveyed to the Deputy at that time.
