11/04/2013

Govt Will No Longer Pay Holy Communion Grant

The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that grants to assist with the cost of Holy Communion will not be paid to families this year.

In 2011 payments totalling more than €3.4m were made to some 14,000 families, and in 2012 that fell to €1.5m going to 12,5000 families.

However following a review that recommended exceptional needs payments should be paid in cases of financial need, and not for particular occasions, including confirmations, the payments have been cut completely for 2013.

The department said: "For 2013 it is recommended that payment of the allowance specifically in respect of religious ceremonies will cease".

It did add that applications can continue to be made under the scheme for assistance with child clothing.

(H/CD)


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