asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who is a widow with five children was refused a grant for school uniforms; and the outcome of her appeal.
Written Answers. - School Uniform Grant.
110.
Assistance towards clothing needs can be provided at present under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the health boards. Under the exceptional needs provisions of the scheme a health board may, in any case where it considers it reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, determine that supplementary welfare allowance shall be paid to a person by way of a single payment to meet an exceptional need.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in Dublin, that the application of the person concerned for assistance towards the cost of school uniforms was refused on the grounds that her circumstances did not warrant a payment under the scheme. Her appeal against this decision is being examined and she will be notified of the outcome by the health board as soon as possible.