Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20874/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form that is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting "Form BTSCFA", followed by their name and address to 51909.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it will take 4-6 weeks to process applications. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers. Due to the large volume of applications received, information regarding the receipt or progress of individual applications will not be available until such time as the applications have been examined and a decision taken.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an application for financial support under the supplementary welfare scheme will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [20981/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme a travel supplement may be paid where there is a recurring travel expense.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was awarded a travel supplement of €30 per week from 27 June 2011 to assist with the cost of visiting her newborn baby in the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Dublin. The HSE has requested travel receipts from the person concerned to establish the actual cost of travel per day and a letter from the National Maternity Hospital to confirm that her baby is still in hospital. The HSE will review her payment when the requested information has been provided.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20986/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that it received the information requested from the person concerned on 15 July 2011 and that her application is currently being processed. The person in question will be notified of the outcome in due course.