Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

One of the most important statistics provided by the Minister was that 25% of lone parents did not progress beyond primary education. This brings into focus the need to keep students at school until they have completed the process, an issue which is related to the poverty traps to which we referred. Initiatives are being taken in this regard but we need to keep an emphasis on the issue.

Many girls who have had children have dedicated themselves to rearing their children and sacrificed careers and job opportunities to do so. It is not good enough that the fathers of those children in many instances get away without fulfilling their responsibilities. The Department attempts to recoup some of the costs from the fathers but every father of every child has a responsibility and should be held to that in law. It is not good enough that the taxpayers at large would rear a family for somebody who may well father children with a number of girls, as happens. I call for a greater clampdown in this area. Any legislation brought forward should reflect this perspective.