12,500 apply for assistance in Mid West area
BECAUSE of the economic downturn, there has been an increase in demand for the back- to- school clothing and footwear scheme in the Mid West, and the HSE is prepared to speed up the process.
Having examined the operation of the scheme this year over last year, local health manager, Bernard Gloster, said that staff processed 8,981 applications in 2008. This resulted in 7,752 payments which benefited 15,299 children.
“The economic downturn, the rise in unemployment and reductions in the overall income available to families, has resulted in significant increase. With the scheme not due to close until the end of September, we have already seen an increase on last year. To date in 2009 across the Mid West, we have 12,500, which is a 39% increase on last year’s total”.
Earlier in the summer, the HSE approved four additional community welfare officers, supported by a number of clerical staff from the existing service who have been trained.
By last weekend, an estimated 4,000 payments will have been made.
Mr Gloster added that while this is a significant achievement, the HSE is conscious of the number of applicants awaiting a decision and payment.
“A number of our staff have agreed to support the scheme in a targeted effort over the next three weeks. This will see the equivalent of seven and a half existing staff members changing their duties to expedite the applications.
“While the scheme technically remains open to the end of September, we encourage anyone who feels they have an entitlement to apply now. While we have a large number of applications on hand, our additional efforts will quickly clear those and it would be to everyone’s advantage if we had the total number of applications as soon as possible”.
Those with a problem in completing the application or other query, there is a low call number for Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, 1890 252 973
Mr Gloster said it was also an opportunity to “commend the HSE staff, including community welfare officers, who have continued to rise to the challenge which public services face with huge increases in demand as a result of Ireland’s changed circumstances.
