Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Many of the lone parents who approach me wish to work. Their concern lies in balancing the number of hours they can work and their statutory payments. It can be difficult to make this work. If a parent takes a job at which he or she is good, the employer may wish him or her to work full time rather than the maximum number of hours allowable. I have met many lone parents who are keen to work, but they did not believe they were being forced. I have not heard of anyone being forced.