One Parent Family Payment
65. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of parents currently in receipt of the one parent family payment. [37127/05]
Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 65 together.
The number of one parent family recipients being paid by my Department at the end of September 2005 is 79,937, the latest date for which figures are available. Included in this figure are 906 widowed persons. It is not possible to get exact statistics on the number of one parent family payment recipients for whom social welfare payments are their sole income. However, previous research in this area would indicate that 60% of one-parent family recipients overall are currently in full or part-time employment. Lone parents are encouraged to maximise their income from different sources and the means-test for this scheme makes provision for the exemption of significant levels of earnings and maintenance payments.
With regard to employment, lone parents may earn up to €146.50 per week without affecting their payment. Above that level, half of any earnings are assessed, up to a maximum of €293.00 per week. Lone parents may also be eligible to avail of the full range of employment support services operated by the Department.
Lone parents are also encouraged to pursue the question of maintenance payments with the other parent. This is achieved by ensuring that there is a clear benefit to lone parents and their children arising from any maintenance payments secured. At present up to 50% of maintenance received may be disregarded under the means test and, in addition, allowances are made for up to €95.23 per week of maintenance paid in respect of mortgage or rent.
My Department’s records indicate that approximately 9,600 one-parent family payment recipients are in receipt of maintenance from their spouse or the other parent of their children. However, many other recipients could be in receipt of maintenance and still qualify for the maximum rate of one parent family payment as a result of the provision allowing one parent family payment claimants to retain 50% of any maintenance received.
There is no loss of income incurred by one parent family payment recipients where the Department has to pursue the issue of maintenance with the non-resident parent. Rather, the provision allowing one parent family payment claimants to retain 50% of any direct maintenance received was established as an incentive to lone parents to seek agreement with the other parent on the level of maintenance to be paid. While there are no plans at present to change this approach it will be the subject of consideration as part of a review of supports to single parents.