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Smith concerned by lengthy delay to Back-to-School Allowance payments
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Brendan Smith has expressed concern at the lengthy waiting times, up to six weeks, for payments of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This will result in many families across the country not receiving vital financial support until well after the school year has begun.
Deputy Smith said: “I have received representations from a number of constituents, as have many of my party colleagues, about the significant delay in processing applications for the Back-to-School allowance this year. I have been informed that the waiting time for payments is up to six weeks at the moment. This means many parents in need of help with cost of sending a child to school not getting the necessary support for a number of weeks after the schools have returned.
“I am aware that over 40,000 applications are still to be processed by the Department of Social Protection. I welcomed the Minister’s decision earlier in the summer to change the operation of the scheme to ensure prompt payment for families who received the Back-to-School allowance last year but I believe the Minister must now look at immediate but temporary measures that can be applied to ease the burden on families.
“The Back-to-School allowance which helps parents cover the cost of school uniforms, footwear, stationery and other needs is extremely important for many families. There has been a significant increase in the number of families who have applied for the allowance this year which has led to a waiting time of up to six weeks but I believe this can be reduced significantly if the Minister takes action now,” concluded Deputy Smith.
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