A total of 2,589 Laois families received €883,700 in government funding to help meet the back to school costs according to Laois TD and Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan.
The Back to School allowance is paid to parents to assist them in purchasing uniforms and footwear for the return to school this week.
This year, children and parents benefitted from an increase of up to €50 from the scheme.
“I am delighted to announce that 2,589 local families have benefitted from this funding,” Minister Flanagan said.
“Parents face significant costs 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 families with 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,” he said.
“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.”
Allowance
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.
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