Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today, as others have said, is D-Day for lone parents when their payment is cut if their child has turned seven years of age. This is quite amazing. One must remember that these are lone parents and a seven year old is a very young child who cannot be left alone. If such children are left alone, that is neglect.The parenting would be called into question if that happened. I voted for this proposal when I was on the other side of the House because the Minister, Deputy Burton, promised me and members of Fine Gael and Labour Party that the cut would not come into operation until appropriate supports had been put in place. She mentioned in particular child care of the same quality as that which is available in Scandinavian countries. A month ago Senator Craughwell and I visited child care facilities in Finland, and comparable child care does not exist in Ireland. We are probably 50 years away from such quality and standards, and may never have such child care unless we plan for it.

The House will rise in a week or so. Some 12,000 vulnerable people - mothers, by and large - will be affected, along with their children. It it a scandal. It is not reform, as Senator Colm Burke said. Mothers are unable to go to work or continue in education because they do not have child care supports, and their young children will be at risk of poverty. How can that be called reform? I would call it State neglect. Before the House rises, I ask the Leader to ensure that the Minister, Deputy Burton, addresses the issue with us so we can go into the summer recess with some understanding and awareness that lone parents will be supported rather than being left high and dry. Why are we singling out people who are at risk of poverty?