Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
375 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the funding made available each year from her Department for lone parent financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26845/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe one-parent family payment (OFP) is made up of a personal rate for the parent and of extra amounts for dependent children. The payment rate for 2012 remains unchanged from 2011 and amounts to €188 per week — with a further €29.80 for each additional qualified child. The cost of the OFP scheme in 2010 and in 2011 was €1.11 billion — up from €751 million in 2005 and €480 million in 2000. This represents an expenditure increase of 57% on the scheme over the last decade. The cost of the scheme is estimated to be €1.06 billion in 2012.
