The Minister for Social Protection, and Cavan Monaghan Fine Gael TD, Heather Humphreys will announce details of the Enhanced Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance this morning.
The event is taking place at Lennon & Sons Drapery in Cootehill at 11am. The Allowance provides for a once-off payment to eligible families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear.
The allowance paid for each eligible child aged four to 11 years on or before the 30 September is €260 while an allowance of €385 is paid for each eligible child aged 12 to 22 years on or before the same date.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Minister Humphreys said the scheme would assist parents across the Northern Sound region with back to school costs. “I’m pleased to announce that from today, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be paid to over 131,000 families right across the State.
“This payment has been increased by €100 per child this year in recognition of the ongoing cost of living pressures that families face. The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term.
“The payments will be received in people’s bank accounts from today. However, any family that has not yet applied has plenty of time to do so as applications remain open until September 30th. As a Government we are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families with the Cost of Living.
“That’s why last month, I announced an extra €100 per every child in receipt of Child Benefit. Minister Norma Foley is spearheading the free school books scheme, which kicks in for primary schools from September.
“And I’m delighted as well to be able to continue the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme. The expansion of the programme to all DEIS primary schools and special schools will mean by the end of this year, 1,000 schools will have access to hot school meal funding.
“And from 2024, we will start the roll-out of Hot Meals to all remaining primary schools," added the Minister.
