Lone parent families are the most deprived group in our society and their position has worsened in recent years. In spite of that, the Government has not displayed sufficient urgency in responding to their employment needs, particularly in relation to the provision of training and education, childcare support and the removal of social welfare poverty-traps.
As the economy slows and Government finances come under pressure, it is vital to reach out to such marginalised groups and to encourage social cohesion and "can-do attitudes" by assisting families escape from poverty through skills-training, employment and the provision of necessary services. It is a complex issue requiring political commitment. But it can transform lives.
We are not talking here about an insignificant number of people. One in five of all families is now headed by lone parents, amounting to some 80,000 relationships. Forty per cent of those families live in relative poverty and represent the most vulnerable section of society. It is not that lone parents don't attempt to escape from their distressed situation. The majority are already working. But they are trapped in low-skilled, low-paid, part-time employment. And if they attempt to break out of the poverty trap, they are faced by the loss of social welfare benefits, inadequate childcare facilities, and a shortage of accessible educational and skills-based training.
The Government has been aware of this unfortunate situation for years. A report commissioned by Cabinet identified a need to reform the social welfare system as it impacts on single parent families. It spoke of preventing long-term dependence on social welfare income support; facilitating participation in employment, education and training; removing existing poverty traps and providing accessible childcare. There were, it recognised, significant barriers to entering full-time employment and little financial incentive to do so.
Last year, arising from that report, a number of pilot schemes were introduced under "Sustaining Progress". Those localised initiatives were designed to identify practical and administrative difficulties in advance of a national roll-out of specific reforms. But progress appears to have become bogged down. Minister for Social and Family Affairs Martin Cullen commented that while some changes may be introduced in the next budget, it could take several years for the recommended programme of reforms to become fully operational.
That is not good enough. There is a need to co-ordinate training, educational, childcare support and advice schemes. But that should not take years to achieve if political determination and adequate funding is forthcoming. Encouraging lone parents to enter full-time employment with the help of one-to-one support is a challenging project that offers real social benefits. It has been welcomed by organisations representing those involved. But they suggest the adoption of a voluntary approach. That may be the most appropriate intervention.