Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
83. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children who will benefit from the extension of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance to include children aged two and three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46033/26]
View answerThe Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
In Budget 2026, I was pleased to secure funding from 2026 to extend the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include children aged 2 and 3, for the first time. It is estimated that an additional 35,000 children aged 2 and 3 will be eligible to receive the payment. The rates of payment for 2026 are €160 for children aged between 2 and 11 years and €285 for children aged 12 and over. Funding of €60.4m has been allocated for the scheme in 2026.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
