Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
89. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families in the Dún Laoghaire constituency expected to benefit from the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in 2026; the estimated increase from extending eligibility to children aged two and three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In Budget 2026, I was pleased to secure funding for 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 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.
It is not possible to provide the number of families in the Dún Laoghaire constituency expected to benefit from the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in 2026, as statistics by constituency are not available.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
