Seanad debates

Wednesday, 10 December 2003

Report on Dublin and Monaghan Bombings: Motion. - Local Authority Funding: Motion.

 

There are some urban myths going around. One is that all single mothers are immediately given houses – as soon as they announce they are pregnant houses are provided for them. I have just talked to somebody who has been on the housing list for nine years and she never sees any sign of obtaining a house. There are many young women in her situation. One of the saddest things about the budget was the serious cuts in the provision of rent allowance to young women who may be about to become single mothers and a large cut in child care and crèche allowances. These are in direct conflict with the recommendations of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, which suggests that the one thing that must be done to prevent women going to England for abortions, something we all want, is to give them material support at the difficult times of their pregnancies and when their babies are just born. There can be major conflicts within the family and frequently, even in this day and age, people feel they must leave home.

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