Back to School allowance needs increase - Adams

CALLS for an increase to the ‘Back to School’ allowance were made in the Dail last week by Louth TD Gerry Adams.

He highlighted the new report released by the Irish League of Credit Unions, which illustrates the difficulties facing many families.

It reports that it now costs almost €1,000 a year to send a child to primary school and the figure is €1,500 for secondary school students.

As a result Deputy Adams said that some families are turning to ‘unscrupulous moneylenders and other short-term high cost borrowing measures in order to put the money together to provide for their children.’

He added: ‘ The report finds that over 80% of parents feel the costs associated with sending their kids back to school are a significant financial burden, and alarmingly, almost a third of parents find them- selves in debt covering back to school costs, borrowing an average of €357.’

The Louth TD described the allowance provided by the government as ‘insufficient in comparison to the costs involved.’ The allowance paid for each eligible child aged between 4-11 is €100. The allowance paid for each eligible child aged between 12-22 is €200.

‘ This allowance is clearly insufficient to meet the back to school needs of children.’

Families who received payments in previous years should have received notification in June telling them of their expected payment for this year.

Anyone who has not received a payment should email the Department of Social Protection at BSCFA@welfare.ie or LoCall 1890662244.

Application forms for new applicants are available at all Social Welfare Offices, vor from the website www.welfare.ie or by emailing the Department at BSCFA@welfare.ie.