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Budget 2015

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 May 2014

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Questions (67)

Joe McHugh

Question:

67. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the very vulnerable group of single parents who are raising families - some of them are sending a number of children to college and are on single incomes - in the context of budget 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21705/14]

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Written answers

At this early stage of the year, I will not be drawn into speculation on the composition of the next Budget.  However, I would stress that when focusing on reducing the deficit and returning sustainability to the public finances, it has been of vital importance to the Government to spread the burden of the adjustments in as fair and equitable a manner as possible, while also seeking to minimise their negative impact on economic growth. This strategy will also underpin Budget 2015.

As the Deputy may be aware, there a number of supports available for single parents both in the tax system and on the expenditure side.  For example, in the tax system there is the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit. The Department of Social Protection have a number of supports available for single parents such as Child Benefit, Family Income Supplement and the One-Parent Family Payment.  In addition, there are also a number supports available to students which are generally based on their parent's income such as the student support and maintenance grants and the Student Assistance Fund.

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