The growth in the number of lone parent households is notable in almost all OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in recent years, including Ireland. I am of course aware of this increase and of the situation of lone parents. However it should be noted that significant improvements have been introduced in the social welfare area for this group in recent years. The Deserted Husband's and Widower's Scheme was introduced in 1989; the Lone Parents Allowance Scheme in October 1990, which streamlined the existing arrangements and extended their scope to include separated persons and unmarried fathers. The Back-to-School Clothing Allowance introduced in 1990 is also of considerable benefit to this group.
The priority rates of payment recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare were achieved in 1990 in the case of lone parents and are being maintained in real terms. As stated in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the aim is to increase social welfare rates further and progressively, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission, as the resources of the economy grow.
The means test applied to lone parents is structured to encourage employment with a £6 weekly earnings exemption per child, together with allowances for child minding and travel to work expenses, which allow a single parent the option of supplementing her or his social welfare with part-time earnings.