Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applicants in receipt of a one-parent family allowance; the number of such recipients who are in employment and receiving full or reduced payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10938/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The number of one-parent family recipients being paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs at the end of December 2005 is 80,366, the latest date for which figures are available. Included in this figure are 906 widowed persons. It is not possible to get exact statistics on the number of one-parent family payment recipients who are in employment and receiving full or reduced payments. However, 58,290 claimants are in receipt of one-parent family payment at the maximum rate.

Lone parents are encouraged to maximise their income from different sources and the means test for this scheme makes provision for the exemption of significant levels of earnings and maintenance payments. With regard to employment, lone parents may earn up to €146.50 per week without affecting their payment. Above that level, half of any earnings are assessed, up to maximum of €293 per week. The upper income limit is being significantly increased by €82 per week to €375 per week from July of this year. Lone parents may also be eligible to avail of the full range of employment support services operated by the Department.

Lone parents are also encouraged to pursue the question of maintenance payments with the other parent. This is achieved by ensuring a clear benefit to lone parents and their children arising from any maintenance payments secured. At present up to 50% of maintenance received may be disregarded under the means test and, in addition, allowances are made for up to €95.23 per week in respect of mortgage or rent.