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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Thousands more Irish qualify for €160 or €285 once-off payment open NOW under ‘flexible' new criteria rules after years
AN estimated 2,300 children across Ireland are now expected to qualify for a once-off payment worth either €160 or €285. The cash boost, expected to 2 Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary confirmed thousands more are now eligible for the payment Credit:2 The BSCFA is paid out at two different rates Credit: Getty Images - Getty The Many families and don't need to apply. However, those who haven't been notified of the payment on their MyWelfare account or through post could miss out on the lump sum. And foster carers, who are the READ MORE IN MONEY The once-off, means tested payment aims to assist eligible families with the cost of school clothing and footwear. And commenting on the latest extension of the payment, Minister for Social Protection He said: "Foster carers play an essential role in our care system, and I am committed to supporting them. "That's why I am really pleased to announce that children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid will now be eligible for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "In the Programme for Government, we said that we would examine the Back-to-School eligibility criteria to allow flexibility for foster carers and I am pleased to fulfil this commitment. I'm a mum-of-2 but will never fork out for naff school photos - they're tacky, a rip off and any parent who buys them is either rich or just stupid "We expect some 2,300 children in foster care will now be eligible for this important allowance and I encourage foster care families to apply online at MyWelfare." Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD vowed to work alongside Calleary to continue providing further supports for foster carers. She said: "Foster carers look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and they do so much great work every day. "They have campaigned for years for the right to get the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for the children they care for, and it is fantastic that this now has become a reality." The rates of payment for the 2025 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme are €160 for children aged 4-11 years and €285 for children aged 12-22 years on or before 30th September 2025. The children must be of age on or before September 30. NO COVER OF EXTRA COSTS MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary last year confirmed that the BSCFA will not cover extra costs parents face ahead of the school year. When asked by But the Calleary said: "Applications for financial support which fall outside the rules and timeframe of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service." And students aged between 18-22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2025 to retain an entitlement to the payment. Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael's spokesperson on childcare, said the new criteria is "an extremely welcome move" and urged all those eligible to apply for the cash. She said: "Fine Gael is committed to reducing the cost of education and ensuring that all children reach their full potential at all stages of life. BUDGET MEASURES "Further investment in childcare and education in last year's Budget was further proof of this commitment. "My party in Government has worked hard to ensure every child in both primary and special schools can avail of a hot lunch through the Hot School Meals programme. "Other measures include the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, which covers all students from primary school right through to the Leaving Certificate in the provision of schoolbooks and core classroom resources. "Foster carers currently look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and I know they have campaigned to be included in this scheme." She added: "I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on their behalf to ensure they have the supports they need for the children in their care."
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Bureau reviews a number of government responses
Muscat: The Bureau reviewed held its 12th regular meeting of the second annual sitting of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), chaired by Tahir Mabkhoot Al-Junaibi, Deputy Chairmen of the Council, in the presence of Council Bureau members and Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council. During the meeting, the Bureau reviewed a number of government responses and official correspondences, along with several reports submitted by the Council's permanent committees and working groups. The session also saw the approval of a set of follow-up tools submitted by members of the Council. The reports discussed was the report of the working team formed to review the benefits of the Social Protection System. Established in January 2025, the team was tasked with assessing the current benefits in light of emerging societal needs and concerns. The report outlined the team's methodology, including analysis of relevant literature, benchmarking against international best practices, and identifying legislative and regulatory gaps. It also presented the outcomes of discussions with stakeholders and experts, and proposed a set of actionable recommendations. The Bureau also examined the report of the Digital Economy Working Team, which was formed to support Oman's strategic shift towards a robust digital economy in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The report included key findings derived from consultations, meetings, and sectoral analyses, as well as recommendations to enhance the digital ecosystem in the Sultanate. The Bureau reviewed the report of the working group assigned to assess and evaluate various proposals and reports submitted to the Council. The meeting further covered several reports from the Council's standing committees. Among them was the Health and Social Committee's report on promoting investment in the private healthcare sector. The report included an overview of the committee's efforts, data analysis, stakeholder engagements, and key recommendations. The Bureau resolved to include this report in the agenda of the next Council session. Also reviewed was the report by the Services and Public Utilities Committee on enhancing the quality of telecommunications services in Oman. The report analysed the performance of major companies, sectoral financial data, and provided recommendations aimed at improving service quality nationwide. The Bureau reviewed reports of the Youth and Human Resources Committee, including a proposal to establish a national centre for gifted Omanis, a report on the implementation of the Wage Protection System, and a report addressing the grievances of employees laid off by Al Bashayer Company. The session also reviewed responses from government entities to Council inquiries. These included a response from the Minister of Health regarding the lack of employment for biomedical engineering graduates. The Ministry noted efforts to hire national talents through various recruitment programmes, including on-the-job training, and highlighted the development of a dedicated lab to address HR challenges in the health sector. The Bureau reviewed a response from the Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) concerning the cost of internet services. The response emphasised the Authority's ongoing efforts to enhance competition, monitor pricing, and introduce tailored packages for different user segments, in line with the Telecommunications Regulatory Law. The Ministry of Labour also submitted a letter regarding international labour conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference, attaching fifteen instruments for consideration by the legislative authority. The Bureau considered of external participation reports detailing the Council's involvement in regional and international parliamentary assemblies, as well as additional follow-up tools and correspondences submitted by Council members.
Dublin Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Dublin Live
Social welfare Ireland: Taoiseach hints at child benefit shake up as 'nothing is off the table'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that all options for addressing child poverty - including a second tier of child benefit - are on the table for Budget 2026. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to "continue to support families with the cost of raising their family through the child benefit payment". It also commits to exploring a targeted Child Benefit. It follows calls for the introduction of a second tier of Child Benefit. Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue in Dublin Castle, Mr Martin said he had identified "two very key areas" that he wanted Budget 2026 to prioritise, including disability and child poverty. The Taoiseach said targeted Child Benefit and all other prospects will be explored ahead of Budget 2026 in October. He said: "We will be examining all aspects of [Child Benefit] and I have a [child poverty] unit within the Department [of an Taoiseach] that is focusing on these issues. I already spoke to Minister of Social Protection Dara Calleary on this, but nothing's off the table. "There's a wide menu there that we can choose from to target resources to meaningfully impact on the child poverty situation. That's not just in terms of income supports, but also in terms of other initiatives in education, for example, the Deis+, which would target children in particular severe disadvantage and other areas. "The Child Benefit remains, but I'm saying we're looking at more targeted responses on the child poverty issue, which can come across a number of instruments." When asked if it was too early to examine the prospect of a second tier of Child Benefit, the Taoiseach repeated that "nothing's off the table". He added: "We're examining all options in perspective. We have to do something targeted and something that will have a meaningful impact on child poverty. Nothing is off the table. There is a very significant expenditure required for something like that as well. There's a range of measures for looking at this." Mr Martin also called for a focus on disability in Budget 2026. This, he said, would include income supports for people with disabilities, investment in respite and supports for transport and mobility. He also said that progress on ending the means test for carers will "obviously come under consideration". Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Child benefit shake up in Budget talks as Taoiseach says 'nothing's off table'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that all options for addressing child poverty, including a second tier of child benefit, are on the table for Budget 2026. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to 'continue to support families with the cost of raising their family through the child benefit payment'. It also commits to exploring a targeted Child Benefit. It follows calls for the introduction of a second tier of Child Benefit. Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue in Dublin Castle today, Mr Martin said he had identified 'two very key areas' that he wanted Budget 2026 to prioritise, including disability and child poverty. The Taoiseach said targeted Child Benefit and all other prospects will be explored ahead of Budget 2026 in October. He said: 'We will be examining all aspects of [Child Benefit] and I have a [child poverty] unit within the Department [of an Taoiseach] that is focusing on these issues. I already spoke to Minister of Social Protection Dara Calleary on this, but nothing's off the table. 'There's a wide menu there that we can choose from to target resources to meaningfully impact on the child poverty situation. That's not just in terms of income supports, but also in terms of other initiatives in education, for example, the Deis+, which would target children in particular severe disadvantage and other areas. 'The Child Benefit remains, but I'm saying we're looking at more targeted responses on the child poverty issue, which can come across a number of instruments.' When asked if it was too early to examine the prospect of a second tier of Child Benefit, the Taoiseach repeated that 'nothing's off the table'. He added: 'We're examining all options in perspective. We have to do something targeted and something that will have a meaningful impact on child poverty. Nothing is off the table. There is a very significant expenditure required for something like that as well. There's a range of measures for looking at this.' Mr Martin also called for a focus on disability in Budget 2026. This, he said, would include income supports for people with disabilities, investment in respite and supports for transport and mobility. He also said that progress on ending the means test for carers will 'obviously come under consideration'.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Major boost as thousands more children to qualify for €160 or €285 cash payment under new eligibility rules before Govt
THOUSANDS more children will qualify for a €160 or €285 payment under new plans set to be brought before Government tomorrow. Minister for Social Protection The payment is designed to help parents cover the cost of clothing and footwear for returning to school. Children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid currently do not qualify for the annual lump sum payment. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is worth €160 for children aged four to 11 and €285 for kids aged between 12 and 22. Children and young adults must be between these ages on or before September 30 this year in order to qualify for the set amount. READ MORE IN MONEY Those over 18 must be returning to full-time second level education in the autumn of 2025 in order to be eligible. And the 2025 Programme for Government includes the commitment to examine the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance eligibility criteria to allow flexibility for foster carers. It is estimated that up to 2,300 children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid will now qualify for the payment under new plans. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Last September, Independent TD Michael Lowry asked if Major warning over emergency social welfare scam texts as thousands could be targeted O'Gorman said he raised the issue with He said: "I can inform the Deputy that I have raised the issue of Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance eligibility in respect of foster children with Minister Humphreys, who has informed that the BSCFA is not payable in respect of foster children as the financial support provided to foster parents by Tusla, the foster care allowance, includes provision for the cost of clothing and footwear for the foster child. "I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues and with relevant stakeholders in relation to continuing to seek to improve the suite of supports for foster carers." NO COVER OF EXTRA COSTS MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary last year confirmed that the BSCFA will not cover extra costs parents face ahead of the school year. When asked by But the Calleary said: "Applications for financial support which fall outside the rules and timeframe of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service." Last year, payments totalling €57.04m were made to more than 149,500 families in respect of 264,400 qualified children. Many families But those who haven't been notified of the payment on their MyWelfare account or through post could miss out on the lump sum. It is expected to be paid out in the week starting on July 7th. And applications for the payment will close until next year on September 30. Those who apply for the cash later in the summer will receive the payment later than others. 1 The BSCFA is €160 for children aged four to 11 and €285 for those between 12 and 22 Credit: Getty Images - Getty
