Single parents should not be singled out

The decision by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to question the entitlements of single parents is a sign of the attitude of the current coalition towards the vulnerable and financially impoverished in society.

The comments of the minister, as reported in your paper, represent only the opening salvo in an upcoming campaign against those forced to draw social welfare payments.

The minister may talk about a welfare trap for single parents but the reality is that most people do not like to draw welfare.

The fact is they are entitled to it under the current regulations. The fact also is that no one will get rich by drawing these payments — single parents are merely surviving.

The minister should also be aware that under the Constitution she is tasked with treating all the children equally. Certainly that cannot be said for the children of single parents at the moment.

The minister would be far better employed if she worked for greater equality in society rather than scapegoating certain segments of vulnerable people.

Single parents are easy targets in the current financial downturn but they should not be singled out for this type of treatment.

Joe Lynch

Beechgrove Avenue

Ballinacurra Weston

Limerick