Budget 2027 is coming down the tracks, and here, Karen Kiernan of One Family shares some of the lived experiences of people on the front lines of the cost of living challenges.

The following comments were shared anonymously with One Family through its advocacy work and paint a stark picture of the financial pressures, childcare stumbling blocks and impossible choices facing many lone parents across the country.

As Kiernan argues, these experiences are not isolated stories but evidence of systemic inequalities that the government must address in the budget…

Elaine* , Cavan, two children

“I’m a teacher. I’ve two kids by myself and two parents who need care too. I’m not getting any family support.

“Only for the Working Family Payment I wouldn’t be able to pay the bills.”

Geraldine* , Cork, two children

“The Government should try living on the money lone parents get, and the pressure then to work, as well as doing the job of two parents and keeping a house together, making sure children are clothed and kept warm and secure.

“How would someone in the Government feel if they woke up one morning and they only had €25 left in their bank until the next payment in six days’ time.”

Sinead* , Dublin, one child

“I am considering reducing my working hours to qualify for a payment. The money saved on childcare and travel alongside the payment would mean I have the same amount of money.

“There are additional costs as a single parent and there is no second parent to share the burden of childcare. This is not considered when calculating payments or leave.”

THESE ARE SOME of the quotes parents shared with our One Family’s Advocacy Project, for our recent Pre-Budget Submission.

They powerfully highlight the inequalities that one-parent families face and how government action, or inaction, has worsened their circumstances.

As government prepares to outline it’s spending for........

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