David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the input individual lone parents have had in the development of the lone parent proposals and their input since the publication of the Government Discussion paper; the way in which his Department has facilitated same; the impact the views and opinions expressed by individual lone parents will have on the development of future lone parent policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" which I launched in March this year, addresses the social exclusion and risk of poverty faced by many such families and their children.

The process which led to the publication of the discussion paper included a number of submissions from organisations around the country representing lone parents as well as other interested parties. All submissions received were considered as part of the process.

The discussion paper puts forward proposals for reform of the income support system for all parents on a low income. The report proposes the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents, the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare, improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new Parental Allowance for low income families with young children.

The Government has asked the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to draw up an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations of the discussion paper, including those related to childcare, education, training and activation measures and work on this has already commenced in consultation with the Departments and agencies concerned.

As a follow-up to the publication of the discussion paper, I hosted a National Consultative Forum on 27th April 2006. This Forum was attended by social partners, organisations representing lone parents and the unemployed, representatives of Government departments and State agencies who will be responsible for the implementation of the proposals in the discussion paper and members of the Oireachtas. At the Forum, I heard the views of each organisation on the proposals including their comments on the proposed parental allowance and invited them to make a formal written submission setting out those views. I also briefed the Oireachtas Committee on Social Affairs and debated the issue in the Seanad.

Since the Consultative Forum, I have received submissions from a number of the organisations representing lone parents and have met with these organisations.

I have received a considerable number of representations from individual lone parents during the consultation process. Officials from my Department have indicated their willingness to meet individual lone parents in cases where this has been requested.

The Government will listen closely to the views expressed and will give very serious consideration to them. As soon as I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are fully workable and equitable, it will be my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation in the course of this year.