asked the Minister for Education whether he has received an application for a children's allowance, under the rules of his Department, in respect of the Toohey children, Glenview Terrace, Thomondgate, Limerick, and, if so, if he will state (i) when it was received, (ii) when a decision will be issued, and (iii) the amount which will be payable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Allowance.
Children's allowances in respect of four children of the family in question were regularly paid to their mother, the widow of a national teacher, up to the date of her death on the 3rd April, 1954. She died, however, without having been able to make application for the allowances in respect of the six-month period ending the 31st March, 1954. On the 13th July last, a letter was received in the Department from an aunt of these children claiming the allowances due.
I regret that there has been delay in dealing with the case and I have directed that the necessary forms be forwarded to the guardian to enable formal application to be made in respect of the period for which the payment is claimed. As soon as these are returned to the Department, payment will be made in respect of children who are eligible.
It is not possible to say, pending receipt of formal application, how many children are eligible and accordingly what amount is payable in respect of them.