Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I thank the officials from the Department for the briefing on Tuesday. That briefing is useful in helping us to understand some of the sections of what is proposed, although, clearly, the political decisions and consequences are an entirely different matter.

I want to deal with the obvious issue, which is where the focus of attention has been, namely, the provisions in regard to the age where the lone parent payment will not be paid, which could apply to children as young as seven. The Minister told us this is intended as a reforming measure. It is essential we see the totality of the package proposed because if we do not, it is very difficult to see how it is a reforming measure. I will not dispute the Minister's good intentions in this regard. However, it is completely unwise to proceed with this in legislation until there is a guarantee of child care.

It is illegal to leave children as young as seven on their own. In many situations where the household is headed by a lone parent, there are older children, but, even at that, it would depend on the age whether it is appropriate. I have put down an amendment seeking the removal of this section until child care is put in place.

If a person is put on a jobseeker's payment he or she must be available for work. Not only that, the person must be available for a Tús scheme, for example, or a course or any other job activation measure that has been more or less presented. Therefore, child care needs to be provided not only for those who go to work but also to cover those who are caring for children who are below the legal age at which children can be left on their own.

The child care issue is hugely important and I know the Minister believes that too. However, with respect, and maybe it is with a lot of respect, the Minister could be reshuffled into a different portfolio-----

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