asked the Minister for Social Welfare her views on unmarried fathers who wish to assume responsibility for their children, because the mother involved is either incapable or, does not want to take on the task, being prevented from doing so because they are unemployed and there is no provision for paying an unmarried fathers allowance; if she has any plans to make such payments in these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance to Unmarried Fathers.
114.
While there is no specific scheme of allowances for unmarried fathers, persons in this situation who take on responsibility for their children can receive financial support by way of increased payments in respect of child dependants under other social welfare schemes such as unemployment benefit or assistance where the conditions of entitlement under the schemes are fulfilled. For persons who do not qualify under any of these schemes, assistance can be provided under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to any person who is in need. Unmarried fathers who take on responsibility for their children may also qualify for payment under the child benefit scheme.
The whole area of financial support for single parent families will be reviewed in the light of the recommendations of the Commission on Social Welfare.