Vol. 540 No. 2
67 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has received representations from a group (details supplied) in relation to recognition and the establishment of increased rights for fathers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20103/01]
I received representations from the group to which the Deputy refers. However, as the issues raised are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform they have been referred to him.
In regard to social welfare payments, the one-parent family payment is available to both men and women on the same basis. It is payable to the parent who has main care and charge of the child, provided he or she satisfies the other qualifying conditions. In addition, payments in respect of widowhood are also available to men and women.
The report of the Commission on the Family, published in 1998, recognised the important role of fathers. As a result, a study entitled, Strengthening Families Through Fathers, has been commissioned as part of my Department's families research programme and this report will be published in due course.
