Vol. 438 No. 6
117 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education her views on whether there is substantial scope for co-ordination between her Department and the Department of Social Welfare on the entitlements of recipients to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance and the free book scheme; if she will investigate this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In May 1992, my Department put forward a proposal linking eligibility for the school book scheme for needy pupils operated by my Department with eligibility for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme operated by the Department of Social Welfare. Following extensive consultations with the education partners in the matter, my Department decided, in April 1993, not to proceed with the proposal.
