A joint motion to reverse the Government's cut in additional half-rate payment of disability benefit, injury
benefit and unemployment benefit has been tabled by Fine Gael, Labour and the Green Party.
The reduction was one of the Government's 16 separate reductions in eligibility for various social welfare allowances announced following the publication of last November's book of estimates.
Calling for a reversal of the cutback, the Labour spokesman on Social and Family Affairs, Mr Willie Penrose, said it would otherwise "create real problems for working widows and lone parents who lose their jobs or become ill."
Fine Gael's Mr Michael Ring said the cut was "fundamentally unjust and unfair" and added it should be "reversed by the Dáil."
The Green Party spokesman Mr Dan Boyle , said widows would be left with no choice but "to work outside the home in order to provide for the welfare and education of their families."
The cuts were signed into regulation by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan as part of her Department's drive to save €55.8 million.
The motion will be debated during the Labour Party's Private Members Time next Tuesday and Wednesday.