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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Lone-parent payment changes

Summary

The Government is urged to meet lone parents and review planned payment reductions when 39,000 recipients move to jobseeker’s transition; the Minister says the legislation will provide opportunities for debate.

Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection had a discussion on the one parent family payment and the impact on 2 July when 39,000 lone parents will find themselves moved from that payment to jobseeker's transition. On the basis of the discussion yesterday, will the Government organise as a matter or urgency a meeting with those affected and the One Family organisation to discuss the issues?

Comment on this
Michael P. Kitt An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

The Deputy should really table a parliamentary question.

Comment on this

These lone parents will find themselves €50 a week down on 2 July while carers will find themselves down €80 a week. There must be a way to suspend this. We do not have Scandinavian child care facilities in place notwithstanding the promise in legislation in 2012. Will the Government review urgently the situation these lone parents face in July?

Comment on this

Deputies on all sides of the House will have every opportunity to raise issues in that context. The legislation was published yesterday and it is intended that Second Stage will be taken in the coming weeks. There will be every opportunity to air those issues.

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