A new helpline for one-parent families will open later today in response to increasing levels of requests for assistance from the main support agency for lone parents.
The service, developed by One Family (formerly Cherish), comes as figures published later today indicate a 49 per cent annual increase in contacts with the agency in 2003.
The figures are reflective of a 25 per cent rise in single-parent families between 1996 and 2002, but today's annual report also argues that inadequate State provision, particularly cuts in social welfare, is also responsible.
One Family director Ms Karen Kiernan said: "It is very clear to us that many of those coming to us do so in times of great difficulty when they feel that they have nobody to turn to and no one to listen to them".
She called on the Government to recognise that almost 12 per cent of the population live in one-parent families and are increasingly turning to organisations such as One Family, "because they experience inequalities, discrimination and disproportionate poverty rates".
The agency's annual report also records a "notable" increase in the number of contacts from non-nationals, which account for 31 per cent of inquiries. Many cannot access formal employment and training, leading to inadequate income and housing.
These problems are brought about or worsened by often long delays within the asylum process, the report says, also noting that an increasing number of children do not have English as a first language and are in need of assistance prior to entering primary education.
The report also says both Irish and non-national parents are experiencing "significant difficulties" in accessing childcare services.
One Family identified eight key issues to concentrate lobbying work on over coming three-year period: education; work-life balance; equitable access to services in pregnancy; family diversity; constitutional change; access to quality childcare; access to housing; income adequacy.
The Ask One Family confidential helpline is available on lo-call 1890-662212 and operates on Tuesdays: 2.30-4.30 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10.00-12.00 noon and Thursdays 1.00-3.00 p.m.
The agency hopes to expand the service's hours in the future.