Written answers

Thursday, 22 November 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Family Support Services

3:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 109: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale for not including qualified adults who are on their partner's social contribution payment in the measures proposed under proposals for supporting lone parents. [30386/07]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the measures under proposals for supporting lone parents include a proposal to compel all qualified adults on social assistance payments to seek work irrespective of whether they are parents or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30387/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for services for lone parents including 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 would see the ending of the concept of qualified adult within the social assistance code and the introduction of individualised payments.

It would also see the qualified adults on assistance payments with children under 8 years of age would move to the new payment. Former QAs whose youngest child reaches 8 years of age or those with no children, but of working age, and not in employment, would be eligible to apply for jobseekers allowance or another appropriate payment. As with lone parents, facilitators will have been working with them to ensure that they have the education, training and employment supports necessary to return to work at this time.

The proposals for reform in regard to QAs relate to social assistance payments only. Social insurance payments are contributory based, with payment being made in respect of the claimant and his/her family when contributory conditions are met. When the new proposals are introduced, I am proposing a lead-in period of up to 5 years, whereby those currently on social welfare schemes, including QAs, will be able to remain on their current scheme.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.