David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for that response. Does he have plans to introduce an earnings disregard for young widows similar to the one introduced for those age over 66? Could he introduce a tapered withdrawal, a half-rate payment of benefit for widows, similar to that applicable to the one-parent family payment? Is there a barrier to widows or widowers on contributory pensions doing FÁS courses? A woman who came to see me recently stated she was not allowed take up a FÁS course while she was in receipt of widow's contributory pension. I thought that was strange. Would the Minister clarify the matter? When will we see the publication of the promised lone parent review because that will also take into account the position of widows?

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