Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

It is more than 18 months since the Department published proposals on providing supports for lone parents and it appears that little or no progress has been made in implementing these. The question relates specifically to the proposal to end the cohabitation rule. Does the Minister accept that it makes no sense for the State — as it is currently doing in respect of social welfare and tax policies — to actively encourage parents to live apart? If the answer is yes, why has he not taken action before now to end such behaviour and to enable lone parents to enjoy greater flexibility in the context of their family arrangements? Surely it makes sense for the State to remove any obstacles to parents living together. At present, there is a ridiculous situation whereby parents are far better off living apart than they are cohabiting or getting married. That is not justifiable or sustainable as a social policy. Why is the Minister taking so long to alter this ridiculous situation?

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