Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent of payment and weekly amount that is likely to remain available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under the one-parent family payment scheme in view of the current changes being implemented to that scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12852/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the One Parent Family (OFP) scheme age change reforms is to reduce long-term welfare dependency and provide improved access for lone parents to the Department's range of education, training, and employment support programmes in order to assist them in securing or increasing employment in the future.
The customer in question is currently in receipt of an OFP payment and a reduced rate Family Income Supplement (FIS) payment as she is partially employed. Should the customer's circumstances remain unchanged, from July the OFP payment will no longer be assessed as means against the FIS payment, which should lead to an increase in that payment. The weekly amounts will depend on the person's unique circumstances on the date of transition and the Department will be communicating directly with each customer to outline their new entitlement in advance of July.
