According to reports, a new proposal by the Government will see almost 12,000 lone parents having their payment reduced by up to €86.
The proposed move, which is due be introduced on July 2, will see the One Parent Family Payment become unavailable to families whose youngest child has turned seven.
Before 2011, parents could claim the payment for children up to the age of 18, with the age scale being lowered progressively since 2012.
The proposal has been blasted by a number of high profile figures, with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin branding it “sneaky” and “Thatcherite”.
“Many one-parent families depend on this payment to keep on top of their household budget, but the changes which have been introduced year-on-year are placing an increased financial burden on them,” said Mr Martin.
He proceeded to criticise the Minister for Social Protection, adding: “Minister Joan Burton and her Government seem intent on attacking the most vulnerable, families in particular.”
This is a huge blow to single parent families, and we just hope that a revision will be made before the move is passed.
