FG condemns lone-parent payment review

Fine Gael has condemned Government plans to review the system of paying income support for single-parent families, claiming the proposals pose a threat to their welfare.

Mr Michael Ring, the Fine Gael social and family affairs spokesman, argued lone-parents will end up "paying the price for the Government's failure to manage the economy".

Ireland has among the highest percentage of lone-parent families within the European Union, with over 11 per cent of households falling into that category. Compared to the EU average, a large proportion of those families are solely dependent on social welfare.

There was a 24.5 per cent rise in the number of one-parent families in the Republic between 1996 and 2002.

The Mayo TD said many of those parents were facing an impossible situation in trying to enter the workforce or further their education, as only 30 per cent can afford to pay for pre-school childcare.

This is well below the national average of 42.5 per cent, according to CSO figures. "This means that 70 per cent of single parents simply cannot afford to work," said Mr Ring.

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Mary Coughlan, said yesterday the review was central to the Government's intention to developing a family policy more in tune with modern society.

She said her Department was seeking "to weave a policy tapestry that will depict the best way to endorse and support our families at a time of unprecedented change."

Mr Ring reacted sceptically to this announcement, warning that the reality was that lone parents could find themselves worse off than ever.

"Call me a cynic, but I don't expect her to decide that the current payment should be increased," he said.