The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr Ahern, has promised a new package of supports for the family.of the family unit. Secondly, it is in tended to allow women who take "time out" for family reasons to continue contributions for pension purposes.
There will also be a major effort to redress the effect of divorce on families. Parental leave will also be addressed. Improvements will be made to the facilities within the regional family courts and the current mediation services for those negotiating separation will be extended throughout the State.