Calls for dole cut exception for 5,000 children in care

THE Government has been urged to make an exception about halving the dole for young people with a warning that it could cripple the lives of over 5,000 children in care once they turn 18.

Living on e100 a week on the dole would be impossible for children leaving care, it was stressed yesterday.

Halving the jobseekers’ allowance would threaten neglected and abused children who already are facing homelessness and depression once they became adults, the Government were told. The warning was made by the Irish Association of Young People in Care (IAYPC) who support troubled children once they leave foster homes and care.