Thousands of eligible families not taking up back-to-school clothes allowances

Niall Murray, Education Correspondent

Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan has expressed concern that tens of thousands of eligible families may not be taking up the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. It was paid out to E70,577 households in 2004, compared to E75,202 a year earlier.

The minister has added an extra E1 million to the funding available, providing E18m to help with the cost of shoes and uniforms for families on social welfare payments and those on low incomes.