Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance will be open for applications for September 2010; if different arrangements have been made for 2010 to process this payment; if additional staff have been allocated to processing this payment for 2010, in view of the increase in applications in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21361/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I understand that the HSE and officials from my Department have sought the agreement of the Department of Finance for a number of temporary posts for the administration of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear allowance this year and that this has been agreed. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the further information requested regarding the administration of the scheme. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.