Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the delays in the delivery of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme; if she will ensure that application forms are made available to applicants right away; if she will authorise the recruitment of additional staff and redeployment of staff where necessary to ensure the timely delivery of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22874/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the additional supports given to community welfare officers to deal with the increased demand for access to support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22765/10]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that are in place with regard to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; the date from which applications will be accepted ; if additional staff will be assigned to processing this vital scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 192 and 226 together.

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.