Ivor Callely
Question:86 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons at present in receipt of a lone parent's allowance; and the equivalent figures for (a) 1980 and (b) 1990.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The lone parent's allowance was introduced in November 1990. Unmarried, separated and widowed parents and prisoners' spouses are eligible for the allowance. Recipients of the previous unmarried mother's allowance, deserted husband's allowance and widower's non-contributory pension transferred to this scheme on its introduction. Recipients of widow's non-contributory pension, deserted wife's allowance and prisoner's wife's allowance with children also transferred to this payment.
The number of recipients of lone parent's allowance in May 1991 was 27,045. The corresponding number at December 1990 was 25,231.