Govt promises to support lone parents

The Government has said it is committed to ensuring that lone parents do not suffer poverty or social exclusion.

The Minister for Children, Mary Hanafin, was speaking at the launch of a study of young single mothers in Darndale, Co Dublin, and in Knocknaheeney, Co Cork. According to the report, almost half of those surveyed want their children to have a good education and secure decent jobs.

The Minister said the report highlights the extent to which lone parent families rely on their families and on the State for support. Minister Hanafin said the Government will extend the Teenage Parenting Programmes, which are currently working with three of the country’s main maternity hospitals.