Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
712. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in County Clare, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3040/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra732. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in County Clare for each of the years 2020 to 2024 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 712 and 732 together.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) 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.
The allowance is paid in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 on or before 30 September and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 on or before 30 September, if returning to full time second level education. To qualify for the allowance, the applicant must be in receipt of an increase for a qualified child in respect of the child for whom the allowance is being claimed, the applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and the assessable income for the household must be within a set income limit.
The number of BSCFA recipients and the number of qualified children for whom BSCFA was approved in County Clare in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 is set out in tabular form below.
|
Year |
BSCFA recipients in County Clare |
Number of children benefiting in County Clare |
|
2020 |
3,172 |
6,004 |
|
2021 |
3,008 |
5,743 |
|
2022 |
3,679 |
6,644 |
|
2023 |
3,622 |
6,499 |
|
2024 |
3,440 |
6,220 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
