Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in south Tipperary; the reason that person did not qualify automatically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21286/11]

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. For some people on the basis of the information available it was not possible to establish entitlement. These customers 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.