School grants delay will plunge families into debt [Independent.ie]
- Published: 23 August 2010
TENS of thousands of families will be plunged into debt because of delays in crucial back-to-school payments.
Health Service Executive (HSE) staff are working around the clock to process 1,000 grant applications a day.
But with the new school term only days away, and many more late applications expected, a massive 33,192 forms lie unopened.
Parents are being forced to take out credit union loans -- and some are even turning to money lenders -- to help meet the costs of new uniforms and school shoes.
The HSE admitted that some families would not receive any money until after schools re-opened.
The Limerick, Clare and north Tipperary region is the worst blackspot, where no decision has been made on almost half of all applications for the grants.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
