Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had a back to school clothing and footwear allowance refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27845/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment and getting an increase for a qualified child, or are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income below certain levels.

Those customers who did not receive an automated payment were required to complete and return an application form to the Department. In all cases a letter issued 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 was outlined to customers.

The person concerned was refused BSCFA as she is not a child dependant on a qualifying payment. The person concerned can request a review by contacting the BSCFA review section in Letterkenny. Details on how to request a review are available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie or on the refusal letter that has been provided to the applicant.