Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two quick points. I join other Members in expressing concern about the leaked report that appeared in The Sunday Business Postconcerning the potential closure of a number of emergency units throughout the country. One of them is in my own constituency in County Cavan. Unfortunately, in Monaghan we have had experience of such reports and, ultimately, the end game is that the service is closed. I would warn all Senators and people in those locations to be on their guard when reports such as this come to the fore. I understand that the former Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, commissioned the report.It is strange that, although the report has not yet been received by people who requested it, we can read all about it in The Sunday Business Post. This is not a criticism of the opposite side of the House. It is just an observation.

I wish to raise the issue of lone parents and the decision by the previous Government to impose cuts that affected that section of our community. The changes had a serious impact on the quality of life of lone parents and their families. At the time the cuts were made last year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul warned that it would be a serious issue for lone parents and that it would act as a deterrent to lone parents looking for employment, education or training. Unfortunately, this has proved to be the case. The latest figures show that 59% of one-parent households experience deprivation and 22% are in consistent poverty. Our one-parent households deserve better, so I ask that the Minister come to the House to address us on this issue.