It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 42 and 48 together.
The social welfare schemes available to cater for the needs of women in single parent family situations are widow's contributory pension, deserted wife's benefit, widow's non-contributory pension, deserted wife's allowance, unmarried mother's allowance and prisoners wife's allowance. Widow's contributory pension and deserted wife's benefit are insurance based schemes and a woman may qualify for them on either her own or her husband's insurance record. The other schemes are assistance based and are subject to a means test.
The provision of specific payments for men who are single parents on the same lines as the existing schemes for women would have very significant financial and social implications. This matter is, however, being reviewed in the context of the examination of the whole area of financial support for single parent families generally in the light of the recommendations made by the Commission on Social Welfare.