Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

New measures have not yet been introduced due to the substantial engagement taking place with groups representing lone parents or working in this general area. One does not always secure agreement on a way forward. We have engaged in substantial discussions with all the relevant groups to move forward. One of the recommendations arising from this engagement was that the Department would establish a pilot scheme to determine how to address issues that arise. We have acted on this recommendation and when the scheme concludes this month we will need to start taking decisions.

I want to remove the cohabitation rule because it is wrong. When one deals with substantial policy matters it affects many other areas of the social welfare code and these, too, must then be resolved. While the issue is clear when considered in isolation, it becomes much more complex when one considers the knock-on effects in other areas. Notwithstanding this, I intend to remove the cohabitation rule.

I would like the new system to be voluntary. Some of the issues to be assessed once the pilot scheme has concluded are how many people engaged in the scheme voluntarily, how many of those invited to participate in it failed to do so and what has been the response of participants. I understand those involved in the scheme have responded positively. It is important to overcome the fear of the system some people may have and concerns about prejudice. It may well be that there are prejudices on both sides.

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