89. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the transitional supports being put in place for the 380 people whose one-parent family payment and half-rate carer’s allowance are both due to end this year; and whether he accepts that the sudden loss of these payments risks plunging vulnerable families into financial hardship and uncertainty. [21009/25]

Sentiment score: -0.21

I welcome the Minister's comments on the nutritional review of the school meals programme. I acknowledge and commend the great work of the companies right across the country, including in Mayo, in delivering school meals. Companies like Steak Out catering, for example, are delivering high-quality nutritional meals to hundreds of children across east and south Mayo, in particular. My question concerns the one-parent family payment and a half-rate carer's allowance. There are many concerns over these very vulnerable families. Given that this payment is due to end at the end of the year, are there any plans for a transitional payment to protect these families during what will be very difficult time?

Sentiment score: 0.21

I am sure the Minister will acknowledge that lone parents are vulnerable and have a difficult time. According to the ESRI, there is a huge risk of economic vulnerability. We should do everything we can. I will certainly work with him on any of those families who may be at risk and who fall in that gap in terms of the payment. I welcome what the Minister said to Deputy O'Reilly on child maintenance and the means test. The programme for Government commits to supporting lone parents and I look forward to working with the Minister to ensure that supports continue. I hope we can work with the Minister to ensure that no family will be taken off the lone parents support at the end of the year.

Sentiment score: 0.17