Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:704. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase Back to School Allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24960/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFriday, 16 September 2016
Ceisteanna (704)
Freagraí scríofa
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. The BSCFA is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but to provide assistance towards these costs. The Government has provided €38.8 million for the scheme in 2016.
The BSCFA rates are currently €100 for children aged 4-11 and €200 for children aged 12 -22 (children aged 18 years and over must be attending second level education to qualify). Changes to increase the rate of payment to any scheme administered by my Department would have to be considered in a budgetary context.