The number of lone parents with children under 15 years of age living in poverty has risen by almost 50 per cent, a report from the National Economic and Social Forum has reported.
The report also found the number of lone parents in the under-25 age group has declined relatively in recent years and reported almost 60 per cent of lone parents are now concentrated in the 25-39 age group.
Participation by lone parents in the labour force is at about 35 per cent - well below the level of that in other countries. For example, in Finland the equivalent rate is 65 per cent.
The report said almost half of lone parents ceased their education at primary level.
Better public services for lone parents’ needs especially in the design and allocation of accommodation was recommended by the report. Financial penalties for lone parents who decide to cohabit or remarry were also noted.
The report also presented its findings of consultations with non-resident fathers and found that further research on the role of fathers should be done.
Areas to be addressed in the research should include joint parenting and custody issues, access issues, liable relatives and maintenanc,e and the rights of married and unmarried parents.