An extra €12 million is to be allocated this year to a social welfare scheme which last year helped over 160,000 children and students pay for school clothing and footwear.
Announcing the new €38 million budget today, Minister for Social and Family Affairs Martin Cullen met with members of the One Parent Exchange and Network (Open) at Government Buildings in Dublin.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which aims to help families on low incomes with the cost of school expenses, helped 161,451 children and students in 2006.
Mr Cullen today advised all parents and guardians who may be eligible for the allowance to apply as soon as possible to the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Open is the national network for lone parent self help groups. Ninety-two lone parent groups are currently members of the support network.