Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will suggest something that does not necessarily come with a high cost to the State. Income disregard might continue to apply but besides that cost, it does not come with a high cost to the State. It would simply allow the flexibility for an authentic engagement between case workers and lone parents, who are predominantly women, to ensure they do not find themselves on JobPath being told they have to consider a list of three full-time jobs when they know they cannot. Even since we did our report, we have had very strong testimony on other issues. People talked about how in the current system they saw themselves ending up taking a retail job, which would have been okay, but the jobseeker's transitional payment gave them time and scope and a chance for engagement with caseworkers and they ended up going back to college. They took a different route. We want to make sure that people find the best option which sets the best example for and provides the best support to their children. I think the Minister has the same goal. The system can be improved.

My final point is about the concern for foster parents of children up to 18 years of age. People who are foster parenting may have children of their own and may also be acting as foster parents. At present there is limbo with regard to where foster parents fall. Their own children may have reached the age of seven but they may be fostering children who are slightly below that age. Their own children might reach 14 but they may still be fostering an 11 or 12 year old. Children who are being fostered need that support. It is about looking at flexibility. Perhaps there are opportunities for us to engage on this.