Unmarried mother’s allowance rate and title
The allowance was awarded at a reduced rate based on assessed means, and the case is under review following changes to means calculations. Harte objected to the title “unmarried mother”; the Chair and Minister responded during the exchange.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unmarried mother's allowance is not being paid at the maximum rate to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
Comment on this
The person concerned was awarded a social assistance allowance as an unmarried mother at a reduced rate with effect from 6 January 1977 in accordance with her means as assessed. She appealed against the award but the decision was upheld by an appeals officer.
The case is being reviewed as a result of changes in the calculation of means under the Social Welfare Act, 1979. I will let the Deputy know the result in due course.
Comment on this
When does the Minister propose to delete this objectionable title "unmarried mother"? Surely it is time to introduce some imagination and use a title such as single parents?
Comment on this
The question on the Order Paper relates to an allowance which has an official title from the Minister for Social Welfare. If our imagination is so limited that we have to use the title unmarried mother——
Comment on this
Is it the Minister's intention to discontinue the use of the title unmarried mother? Deputy Murphy is not yet a Minister. He should be a polite backbencher and keep quite.