Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have received representations from parents who will be affected by this week's changes to the one-parent family payment. I highlight mothers and fathers who are engaged in employment below the threshold of the 19 hours necessary to avail of family income supplement.

I am aware of a specific case where a parent works for 15 hours spread over a five-day week in a local schools as a bus escort. As a result they cannot avail of jobseeker's benefit for the days not in work as their employment is spread over the five days. They cannot avail of FIS because they are at 15 hours and there is no prospect of increased hours due to the nature of their work despite the fact that they have offered to work the additional four hours on a voluntary basis. This parent is just below the threshold to qualify for FIS which would significantly increase their weekly income by almost €200 while continuing employment. The individual wants to work, but in this situation they may be better off on jobseeker's benefit where they can avail of courses and training to reskill or upskill.

I understand this is a particular case, but I know it is replicated across many counties, particularly with working parents employed on low-hours contracts in schools or other employment. We need to use common sense in such cases where a parent wants to work.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 11 be taken before No. 1 today.