Govt Lone Parent Plan 'Vicious And Draconian' - SF

Government plans to cut payments to lone parents have been described as "vicious and draconian" by Sinn Féin.

Criticising the plane, Senator David Cullinane, said the government’s plans were "beyond belief".

"This is a country that has virtually no childcare provision and very limited family supports yet the government and Joan Burton think it’s acceptable to go after single parents with children over seven as a cost saving measure," Senator Cullinane said.

"This appalling and uncaring cut can only be described as slash and burn politics.

"The government cares little for struggling families and is prepared to sacrifice the life chances of young children and plunge them into poverty in pursuit of its neoliberal agenda.

"It is waging war on the poor and the vulnerable and such savage cuts should be opposed by every decent person.

"Sinn Féin will continue to stand with vulnerable people, NGO’s and all who are opposed to these measures.

"All families, communities and children deserve to have a decent standard of living and to be treated by the state with respect and not as a surplus population that can be consigned to the margins to live in poverty."

(MH)