Hanafin signals possible cut in Lone Parent Allowance

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin has signalled the Lone Parent Allowance could be phased out once a child reaches the age of 13.

In an interview with today's Irish Times, Minister Hanafin said the Government's policy on the one parent family payment is not working.

The minister said continuing to pay the allowance to somebody until their child is 22 - if they are in full-time education - only mitigates against a lone parent having a stable relationship, marrying or finding a full-time job.