John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24258/11]

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 was 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 on the Department's website.

Processing has begun on the manual applications already received and it is currently taking approximately 8 weeks from date of receipt 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.

I can confirm that an application form from the person concerned was received on 21st July. The Department will be in touch with the person concerned shortly regarding her entitlements.