Burton in cuts vow

STOPPING lone parents payments when the youngest child is seven years old may be too young, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has admitted.

Ms Burton said she would not proceed with the cut unless she receives a commitment in the next Budget on affordable childcare.

She made the comment while speaking in the Dail last night during a debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill.

The bill has been criticised by groups representing women and lone parents who said they are disappointed that it is going ahead in its present form.