Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this issue, which has arisen in my constituency. I am sure the position is the same across the country. It concerns lone parents with a child or children over seven years of age, who may already be working 19 hours per week, and will now be disadvantaged by €80 per week.

The intention has been to ensure that lone parents do not become trapped in a cycle of long-term unemployment. I agree that we should encourage parents to go back to work or education. Having been a lone parent myself for many years, I know the challenges they face. Unfortunately, however, as a result of doing something positive like undertaking training or obtaining work, those parents will now be at a financial disadvantage.

I would like the Minister of State to ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to consider a transition period for working lone parents. Those to whom I have spoken are all mothers who are affected by this issue. If they have taken out a loan to get a car or do up a house, they feel they can no longer continue to work because they will be financially disadvantaged through child care costs and other outgoings. Therefore, the loss of €80 per week is a huge issue for them.

We knew this change was coming down the tracks but, like everything else, one only pays attention when it happens. Such lone parents now find themselves in a position whereby they will be seriously disadvantaged. I am suggesting the introduction of a two-year transition period for people who are already working part-time. I agree that we should encourage people to upskill and prevent themselves from falling into the trap of long-term unemployment, which has happened to many people over the years.

I am asking the Minister of State to re-examine this matter because people will be unfairly disadvantaged as a result of the change. A transition period would allow for the payment of the full amount for a year and a half amount later. We have done this for all the other service changes that have been introduced, but the manner of this payment's delivery is a blunt instrument. I am concerned by the negative impact it will have on lone parents, particularly women, and their children.

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