Report recommends reform of single-parent allowances
A government-commissioned report has recommended major changes to the way in which the Department of Social and Family Affairs helps single parents.
The report proposes the introduction of a new parental allowance to replace the current one-parent family payment.
The new allowance would be guaranteed up until the child is a certain age, but would then be gradually reduced as the child grows in an effort to encourage the parent to enter education, training or employment.
Elsewhere, the report also recommends an end to the situation where mothers cannot claim lone-parent allowances if they are living with their partner.
The measures are due to be discussed with groups representing lone parents over the coming months before any decision is made on whether to implement them.
Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan has insisted that they are not designed to save money, but rather to help single-parent families escape the poverty trap.
