Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a payment will issue under the back to school, clothing and footwear scheme to persons (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27209/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The administrative arrangements for the 2011 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA 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. The timescale for determining applications for BSCFA claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.

In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. The section in the Department dealing with BSCFA claims have been in contact with the family regarding the provision of additional information which will enable them to make a decision regarding their entitlements. When the information has been provided a decision on their claim will be made.