Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

Almost 80,000 people were in receipt of one-parent family benefits at the end of last year. It is a significant sector.

The changes in the Bill are twofold. It increases the upper earnings threshold by €82 per week to €375, the first change in the threshold for many years, and the rates being paid will be €16 and €17 per week. That will help considerably.

In January the Cabinet will finish its consideration of the report I am putting to it on reforms of the one-parent family area. I hope to publish that document then for consultation because the issues are emotive and complicated and I am anxious that any changes we make enjoy the maximum possible consensus.

There are many issues in this area. I must look at the question of maintenance in the coming year. The report before Cabinet examines the issue briefly. At present, up to 50% of maintenance from the other parent can be disregarded under the means test. Additional allowances are made for up to €95.23 per week of maintenance paid in respect of vouched housing costs. As we reform this area, it is not enough for the State alone to take responsibility, fathers must also take responsibility. The figures are not impressive if we look at the amount of maintenance being paid and the income it generates for lone parents as a proportion of their other income. That area must be worked on.

There is a social aspect to this; it is important that fathers have contact with their children and if there is no financial connection, it is harder. I want to examine this area in the coming year to ensure maintenance payments for children from the father are reasonable. Any objective person looking at the area now would conclude not enough is being done and it must be studied.