Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Code

9:00 pm

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1647/10]

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she plans to end the cohabitation ban for lone parents. [1804/10]

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 720: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2060/10]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 787: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the criteria for lone parents benefits; when these changes will take effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1941/10]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 127, 720 and 787 together.

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

The current duration of the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is not in the best interests of the recipient, their children or society. Social welfare supports for lone parents should be designed to: Prevent long term dependence on social welfare income support and facilitate financial independence. Recognise parental choice with regard to the care of young children but with the expectation that parents will not remain outside of the labour force indefinitely. Change the expectations surrounding receipt of the OFP, introducing an expectation of participation in education, training and employment, with supports provided in this regard.

Income supports are only one element of the supports required by those parenting alone. Other co-ordinated supports and services required include access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures. These must also be addressed by the relevant Departments and Agencies if lone parents are to be enabled to access employment.

It has not been possible to progress the proposals as outlined in the Government discussion paper, including the removal of the cohabitation rule, due, in part, to current economic conditions. These proposals have, however, informed deliberations regarding the scheme. The Government is considering various options for limiting the length of time for which the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) can be paid (including the age of the youngest child). Any such changes would be phased in over a period of years for existing recipients to enable lone parents to access education and training and to prepare for their return to the labour market.

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