Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Lone Parent Families.

Michael Bell

Question:

436 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are in excess of 40,000 lone parent families in Ireland which have been increasing at an alarming rate each year; if his attention has further been drawn to the many social problems which now exist for lone parents and their children; if he will indicate what his policy is in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The growth in the number of lone parent households is notable in almost all OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in recent years, including Ireland. I am of course aware of this increase and of the situation of lone parents. However it should be noted that significant improvements have been introduced in the social welfare area for this group in recent years. The Deserted Husband's and Widower's Scheme was introduced in 1989; the Lone Parents Allowance Scheme in October 1990, which streamlined the existing arrangements and extended their scope to include separated persons and unmarried fathers. The Back-to-School Clothing Allowance introduced in 1990 is also of considerable benefit to this group.

The priority rates of payment recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare were achieved in 1990 in the case of lone parents and are being maintained in real terms. As stated in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the aim is to increase social welfare rates further and progressively, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission, as the resources of the economy grow.

The means test applied to lone parents is structured to encourage employment with a £6 weekly earnings exemption per child, together with allowances for child minding and travel to work expenses, which allow a single parent the option of supplementing her or his social welfare with part-time earnings.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides the long term unemployed, aged 21 or over, with an opportunity to attend education and training courses while continuing to receive an allowance equivalent to their unemployment payments. A commitment in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress provides that the range of options, opportunities and incentives to lone parents and other categories, aimed at their return to the workforce, will be improved. In this context, I will be consulting with my colleague the Minister for Education, regarding the question of the inclusion of lone parents in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS).
As indicated in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress, the Government are committed to an ongoing programme of reform of the social welfare system broadly within the framework outlined by the Commission on Social Welfare. Reports have highlighted the particular problems and requirements of single parent families and the need for a particular focus in meeting their needs. In that context, resources on a scale necessary to implement the additional child income support measures recommended by the Commission (some £69 million in 1990 terms) will be devoted to child income support in the light of available resources. The particular measures to be taken will be worked out in the light of up-to-date information on child and family circumstances. The position of single parent families will be kept under review in this context.
Top
Share