Ms Eilish Bergin:

We are very aware of the issues that arise from the decisions of the Department of Social Protection in relation to the one-parent family payment. We are liaising with the Department to try to ameliorate arising difficulties, particularly for those who are in college. A budget decision was taken on the back-to-education allowance a number of years ago and that has been implemented. It would be unfair to allow different sets of people be treated differently on BTEA. We are working with the Department to find ways to smooth the passage of Department policy in relation to one-parent family payments. That engagement is ongoing. The committee can be reassured we are very conscious of the issue and we work closely with the Department.