Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms proposed under the Programme for Government for lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32273/07]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way he will address the poverty traps identified in proposals for supporting lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/07]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in bringing forward legislation to deal with reforms proposed in proposals for supporting lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32183/07]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are proposals in place to examine and target the reduction of poverty rates amongst one parent families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32268/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 83, 133 and 144 together.

The publication this week of the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions figures for 2006 shows an increase in the numbers of lone parents living in consistent poverty. This increase is despite large recent increases by the Government in the upper earnings limit for entitlement to the one parent family payment and increases to the weekly rate of payment. It is clear that for these lone parents and others on low income, social assistance alone does not provide a long term answer to combat the risk of poverty and that financial independence can only be achieved through improved education and training supports leading to quality, sustainable employment.

That is why 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; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan; focused provision of childcare; improved information services and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

As I have recently reported to the House, the development of any new scheme to support low income parents can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies.

This is why the non-income recommendations contained in the discussion paper are currently being tested in two areas: Coolock and Kilkenny. These tests are focused on identifying and resolving any practical and administrative issues that may arise in advance of the scheme being introduced. The tests are scheduled to run until the end of the year, with a report then being made to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The tests will allow for operational and logistical co-ordination between the relevant Departments and Agencies to be considered and will facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme and accompanying supports.

Issues in relation to the possible poverty traps outlined in the discussion paper are currently being considered in my Department. Although the exact terms of the new payment have not been finalised, the key to any new payment is to ensure that the necessary financial supports are in place to assist families towards improved employment prospects and that all disincentives to work are kept to a minimum.