1 September 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Carrigaline based Fine Gael Senator, Tim Lombard, has confirmed that some €3,959,700 in Government funding has been paid to help meet the back to school costs of 12,470 local families. The Back to School allowance is paid to parents to assist them in purchasing uniforms and footwear for the return to school this week.
Senator Tim Lombard began his political career as a Cork County Cllr and is now a Senator.
Senator Tim Lombard said: “I am delighted with the announcement; it is encouraging to see so many families here in Cork taking up the initiative and benefitting from this funding.
“We parents face significant expenses at the start of every school year. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is one of the single most effective ways for the Government to help our families manage school costs.
“This year some 194,000 children around the country will benefit from an increase to the payment of up to €50.
“Fine Gael is committed to ensuring that the Government offers a helping hand when it’s needed, to ensure everyone gets a fair chance and reaches their full potential.
“By helping parents with back to school costs, providing 2,800 extra teachers and 1,000 extra SNAs in our schools around the country, we will create a Republic of Opportunity and a brighter future for the children of Ireland.”
Background
- The Back to School allowance was previously paid at a rate of €100 for children aged 4-11 and €200 for children aged 12-17.
- From July 2017 onwards, it is paid at a rate of €125 for children aged 4-11 and €250 for children aged 12-17.
- Almost €43 million has been paid nationally for this academic year.
