One-parent families facing benefits reduction

Thousands of one-parent families face the loss of support payments later this year as part of cutbacks which the Government claims will help get mothers and fathers back to work.

As many as 30,000 families will be affected by changes to the one parent family payment. Changes to eligibility criteria were flagged by the Coalition more than two years ago but will come into effect in July.

Tánaiste Joan Burton faced criticism in the Dáil as opposition TDs highlighted cuts and budget reductions for the vulnerable.