Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

This issue was quite contentious on Second Stage. The overall change in the one-parent family tax credit is undesirable. This change follows a trend that has happened over the past number of years. For example, under the rent supplement scheme, it is now impossible for somebody who is not the primary carer to get appropriate accommodation that will allow visitation rights with his or her child. Day in and out I see cases of fathers - in 90% of cases it is fathers who are affected - who are living in one person accommodation who are not in a position to have their children spend time with them. This goes against the right of the child to have a relationship with both parents. It also goes against the child's right to a home.

Generally it is accepted that when people live separately, they incur greater costs than when living together. This is recognised in social protection legislation and in tax legislation and needs to be recognised in the context of the capacity of families to live together as families. I agree completely with all of those who have spoken about the 100-day rule. This is unenforceable. I am a solicitor by profession and have worked on cases of family breakdown. There is nothing more destructive in a family breakdown scenario than people arguing over their children. I see this measure as adding to that torture. I urge the Minister to give serious condition to this.

I am not an expert in regard to how this issue can be worked out and I accept the points made by the Minister in the Dáil and by the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, here regarding the necessity for this measure, but I would like to see it reversed at the first available opportunity as the country exits recession. However, I believe the 100-day rule is unenforceable. I am reminded of a prominent businessman who was at a board meeting and at ten minutes to midnight somebody knocked at the door and said: "I am afraid you have to leave now, Cinderella." Let us get real about what we are asking people to do. This is not appropriate.