Joe Walsh
Ceist:20 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he plans to introduce the new lone parent's allowance scheme. [8236/95]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
Proposals for the new lone parent's scheme are currently being considered by my Department. I expect to be in a position to meet with interested groups shortly before finalising the scheme.
I intend to submit proposals for consideration by Government in July, with a view to having the scheme operational early next year.
The new arrangement to be brought in for deserted wives and lone parents will be a significant step forward in providing income support for people who are raising children on their own. Entitlement will arise not from factors such as desertion but from sole parenthood irrespective of how it arises and it will be related to household income and the number of children. The new scheme will be non-discriminatory in that it will apply to both men and women.