Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has recently met representatives of an organisation (details supplied); and if he has acted on its concerns in relation to the budgetary process. [33473/04]
View answerThe organisation in question attended the pre-budget forum which I hosted on 11 October last. The forum is designed to give voluntary organisations operating in the social services area an opportunity to express their views, concerns and priorities with regard to the social welfare system, and on the changes and improvements which they would like to see included in the budget.
I extended an invitation at the forum to each of the organisations present to meet me individually so that I could hear their concerns directly and in more detail and see what could be done to address them.
I met representatives of this organisation on 16 November, when it outlined its aim to effect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one parent families. It explained how, through its strategic plan for 2004-06, it plans to work to achieve that aim through helping all one parent families in providing for their basic needs, advancing their rights and working to effect positive change. A wide range of issues and challenges facing lone parents was discussed, including child and family income, rent and crèche supplements, employment supports and child benefit, and the forthcoming review of income support arrangements for lone parents.
In the recent budget, I addressed a number of the issues raised at that meeting. One parent family payment was increased by €14 per week. I also re-introduced the transitional arrangements for recipients of the one parent family payment for six months. This payment entitles lone parents, who have been in receipt of the one parent family payment for at least 12 months and in employment, and whose income increases over the €293 earnings threshold to retain 50% of their one parent family payment.
Child benefit was also increased by €10 from €131.60 to €141.60 for the first and second child and by €12 from €155.30 to €177.30 for the third and subsequent children. I have also provided that those in receipt of the crèche supplement can continue to receive the supplement in 2005. New claims will be considered when referred by a health services professional, for example, public health nurses and social workers.
Discussions are also taking place with the transit and Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to putting in place sustainable funding for community crèches.
In relation to the rent supplement, I was able to assure the representatives that where lone parents are assessed as having a genuine housing need by the local housing authority, they will continue to be catered for subject to the usual means test.
I also afforded them the opportunity to make a submission to my Department in relation to the public expenditure review of the back to education allowance which is ongoing at present.
I share the commitment of the organisation in question to achieving equality and social inclusion for one parent families. My Department is also undertaking a review of the income support arrangements for lone parents in the light of reports and emerging analysis in furtherance of that objective, which will include consultation with interested organisations.
