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Family Support Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004

Wednesday, 15 December 2004

Questions (41, 42, 43)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

43 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take on foot of a recent report which calls for a father-inclusive culture and a significant overhaul of the family law and welfare systems to make them more father-friendly and recognise the role of unmarried fathers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33450/04]

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Paul McGrath

Question:

55 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the research that has been undertaken on the role of young fathers, especially in cases in which parental separation is involved; the action he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33524/04]

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Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

75 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which he defines vulnerable fathers; and the measures he intends to put in place to protect them. [33468/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 55 and 76 together.

I welcome the report Strengthening Families Through Fathers which was financed under the family research programme co-funded by the Family Support Agency and my Department. Its publication is very timely and its findings are being taken into account in the preparation of a strategy for families and family life which is being co-ordinated by my Department.

This process will take account of the findings of reports such as this report on fathers, and the other reports on family related themes, published earlier under the family research programme, as well as future reports to be published under the next phase of the programme. It also facilitates account being taken in a structured way of the fruits of exchanges on policy, both nationally and internationally, and consultation with interested parties on various family issues, especially in the context of marking the tenth anniversary of the UN International Year of the Family, now drawing to a close.

One of the most significant issues that has arisen in this regard relates to the position of fathers in situations of separation and family breakdown and the role of fathers generally in a changing society. Up until recent decades, the predominant family formation consisted of the male breadwinner father with the mother full-time in the caring role. This is changing as more mothers opt to participate or continue to participate in paid employment, with the opportunities to develop their own careers and achieve financial independence which this may afford. The involvement of fathers in the rearing of their children is also an issue which needs to be considered.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that: "State parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principles that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child". However, the necessary adjustments in attitudes and in practical arrangements have been slower in bringing about more joint care giving and the research and consultation has shown that there are particular difficulties in the case of families where the parents are separated.

There is no single solution to this. It raises issues relevant to many Departments and policy areas including employment, income support, child care and related services. The purpose in developing the family strategy is to identify all of the key issues and try to develop an appropriate response to the changes which are taking place affecting families and family life generally. It is my intention to bring forward the strategy in the first half of 2005.

Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
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