Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. I do not know which lone parents she has been meeting, but I have been hearing a different story from those I have met regarding what faces them. It is ironic that the One Family organisation issued a press release last March welcoming the fact that the Minister reversed the cuts to the carer's allowance for lone parents. The organisation said that was a lifeline for most vulnerable families with children who also care for a family member who is ill, elderly or has special needs. This was a welcome reversal, but now we are seeing genuine fear.

I could read out letters I have received from lone parents in my constituency about the difference this cut will make to them. They want the best possible outcomes for their children and they want the same opportunities for them as other families. However, they are not able to get that.

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