Thousands of parents will be able to benefit in the coming months from a scheme to provide assistance with equipping their children for the start of the school year in September.

Around 160,000 families will be eligible for the Back to School Footwear and Clothing Allowance, which can provide €200 for such items for pupils aged between two and 11, or €305 for those between 12 and 22 who are in full-time education.

Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection, stated: "This level of support ... shows the government's commitment to assisting families who are under pressure financially - in particular recognising that the start of a school year can be a very pressurised time on household budgets."

Unlike in previous years when the scheme has run, the majority of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance entitlements will be fully automated, with most families eligible for payments receiving a letter from the Department of Social Protection informing them of their grant in mid-June without the need to make an application.

A family who does not receive an automated payment will be required to complete an application form which will become available from 30th June 2011.

With education budgets being frozen and cut back this year, it was also recently confirmed by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that he will examine the issue of funding for private schools, to ensure the most disadvantaged facilities get the money they need.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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