OPEN - One Parent Exchange and Network is the national network of lone parent selfhelp groups and 92 groups currently form part of its network.

Applications for the Back to School clothing and footwear allowance have been welcome from parents or guardians for their school-going children since 1 June this year . . . with Friday 28 September (2007) the closing date for applications.

Parents should apply to their local Community Welfare Officer for this allowance. Some 38 million is available this year . . . an increase of 12 million over that provided last year.

Under the allowance, eligible parents can receive 180 for each eligible child aged between 2 and 11 years . . . up 60 on last year and 285 for each child/student aged between 12 and 22 years . . . up 95 on last year.

(The 2006 rates were 120 and 190 respectively).

Minister Cullen said: "Thousands of families dependant on social welfare payments or in approved training courses or employment schemes may be entitled to this important cash support to help with back to school expenses." The Minister added: "Last year a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was paid in respect of 161,451 children and students. I am anxious this year that once again, as many people as possible apply for the allowance. This year this Government is making 38 million available - up 46% on that provided last year. We are still a number of weeks away from sending children back to school and I appreciate that summer can be a busy time but I would encourage parents to check with the Community Welfare Officer - based in their local HSE office - to see if they are eligible for the allowance, get their application in and not let the moment pass. The rates of payment are good . . . they have increased substantially on previous years - and they are there for a reason . . . to go someway towards the cost of helping families purchase school uniforms and shoes at a time of financial pressure".

Minister Cullen added: "To further highlight the availability of the allowance, my Department will commence a two-week national and local radio advertising campaign on Monday 20 August to highlight the availability of this important financial support. The scheme will also be advertised in the national and local press".

A person may qualify for payment of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance if he/she has a dependant child; is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment; is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course and if the household income is at or below certain specified levels.

Parents who are getting Family Income Supplement may also qualify.