Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Last Sunday, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs announced his intention to replace the lone-parent allowance with a system he described as "family-friendly". I ask the Leader to invite him to the House to explain this system. I have a horrible feeling this is the type of solo run typical of the Minister. I understand that no preparations have been made in this area. The points made by the Minister in the article are quite valid and need to be further explored. Following the outcry over last week's column in The Irish Times it would be very opportune for the House to debate this issue. The Minister should come to the House to explain his plans and the timeframe involved. He also needs to explain whether this will have implications for married couples. I understand from sources within the Department of Social and Family Affairs that the plan to scrap the lone-parent allowance could be discriminatory against married couples. The matter warrants a debate in the House.