Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28310/11]

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. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 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. Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Based on the current volume of applications it could take up to 7 weeks from date of receipt to process claims. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 30th August 2011 and it is expected she will be notified of the outcome of her claim shortly.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28311/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to her nominated account on the 26th September 2011.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28312/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The spouse of the person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to his nominated account on the 20th August 2011.