Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)

The issue of having to purchase devices is coming into my office a lot. It is probably coming into everyone's office at this stage. While obviously there is a benefit to parents of not having to buy schoolbooks, that benefit is entirely undermined if they then have to spend the equivalent amount or more. I welcome the Minister's recent announcement of the extension of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance to foster families, but they will be means tested for it, which will exclude a lot. I know I am tacking that onto the end of my question but I am sure the Minister will not mind and that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will indulge me.

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