Lone parents will not have to contact their abusers

The head of the Department of Social Protection is emphasising that women who have been subjected to domestic abuse do not have to make attempts to contact their attacker in order to receive the lone parent’s allowance.

Department secretary general John McKeon told TDs he has told officials to take on board the realities of the cases and not tell recipients they must make efforts to seek maintenance from their ex-partners before being given the funds.

Last month, it emerged that a small number of women have been told by welfare officials they cannot receive lone parents’ financial support until they try to obtain help from their ex-partner — even in cases of domestic abuse.