Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views that JobBridge interns under the age of 25 years should qualify for the maximum rate of job seekers benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27872/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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All interns on the national internship scheme receive an internship allowance equivalent to their current jobseeker entitlements plus an additional €50 per week for the duration of the internship.

Individuals under 25 years of age are entitled to their current rate of jobseeker entitlement plus the weekly top-up of €50. When they participate in JobBridge these individuals are not entitled to the maximum rate of jobseekers allowance unless they had already been in receipt of it prior to commencing their internship.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on an application for back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27898/11]

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. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. 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 procedure for review of the decision is outlined to customers.

The person concerned was refused BSCFA as she does not have 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.