March over lone parent cut

MOTHERS angry at proposed cuts to lone-parent payments will today march on Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald’s office in Clondalkin accusing her of “forcing workers out of employment”.

Under the proposals announced in Monday’s budget, once a child reaches the age of seven, his or her parent will no longer be entitled to one parent family allowance. They will also only be allowed to earn €60 a week rather than the current €146. If they earn more than €60, their weekly allowance will be reduced.

Dublin-based single mother Leah Speight said: “This will force part-time workers out of employment and onto the dole queue. It’s a huge step backwards for women in this country.”

One Family said its national helpline had been inundated with calls from worried and angry parents.