Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects to complete his consideration of the proposed new package of reforms of state aid for lone parents; when he expects to bring forward specific proposals; if such proposals will be included in the budget 2007 package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for 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 social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

The new social assistance payment, currently being developed by officials in my Department will have the long term aim of assisting people to achieve financial independence through supporting them to enter employment — for it is employment that offers the best route out of poverty.

Any proposed new payment cannot be introduced without co-ordinated supports and services being put in place by other Departments and Agencies. This is why the Government has instructed the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion to draw up an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations in tandem with the development of the legislation required in my Department to introduce a new payment scheme.

Work on the development of this implementation plan is under way. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures are being discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies. Although the formal consultation process on the Government discussion paper has concluded, my officials continue to be in contact with lone parents' representative groups, whose views continue to feed in to the development of the proposals.

Once I am convinced that we have reached conclusions that are equitable, with a fully workable implementation strategy, it is my intention to bring forward proposals for legislation.