Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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226. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of back to school grant applications received from persons living in direct provision in each year since 2012; the number of these grants which were successful; the reasons given for unsuccessful applications in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39245/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. The Government has provided €49.5 million for the scheme in 2018 which operates from June to September.

BSCFA, unlike most other means assessed schemes, is not subject to the habitual residence condition and is payable to eligible families living in the direct provision system.

Statistics are maintained relating to payments under the BSCFA scheme, however they are not maintained on the number of applications or the outcome of those applications.The tabular statement below shows the number of BSCFA payments made to families residing in the direct provision system in the years 2013-2018. Statistics are not available for 2012.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Tabular Statement: Number of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Payments made to families residing in the Direct Provision system, 2013-2018: