Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

We must ensure they are fully informed of this option. As poverty is more prevalent among lone parents, they would have substantial priority in the child care area. Other measures already exist, such as the extra €1,000 payment, and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has increased the number of child care places available.

I am concerned that the quality of jobs available to lone parents needs to be improved. Two thirds of lone parents are working but in jobs that pay a little above the minimum wage. This is why these reforms are being introduced. Training and educational supports will increase lone parents' skills. With more child care provision, they will be able to come up on the employment ladder and get better quality jobs.

See this speech in context