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The Inequality & Poverty Policy for The Lone Parents in Ireland

Name

Institution Affliction

Course

Professor

Due Date
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Exclusive Summary

One of the most striking features of in-work poverty is its disproportionate impact on single-

parent households. Single parents, who often bear the burden of caring for and providing for their

children alone, face stiff competition from families. Even when both parents are in the workforce, single-

parent households have a greater chance of poverty because of employment insecurity and pay disparities

based on gender (Sweeney,2020). Using the policy background of 18 OECD nations, this context gives

practical information on in-work unemployment and inadequate pay. The results of different

redistribution schemes and the effects of family composition, profession, part-time job rules, paid parental

leave, and other factors are analysed.

The authors categorize Ireland country's strategies for in-work poverty among many single parents

into three groups: those that strike a balance between minimum requirement inequality on the labour force

and redistribution; those that combat in-work poverty primarily through redistribution; and those that

compensate for income employment on the labour market with redistributive policies only to a minimal

extent (Philip,2020). A sustainable reduction in poverty among professional single parents appears most

likely in countries that depend on a balanced strategy to reduce inequality in the employment market,

concerning race and gender, in conjunction with an acceptable amount of redistribution.

Introduction

A research study on poverty has increased alongside Ireland's rising wealth. There were

undoubtedly several factors at play here. The first is the availability of datasets that provide reliable

Poverty measurement during the recent decade or two. Watershed studies in this respect include the

Survey on National Income, Poverty, and the Utilization of State Programs from the Economy and Social

Research Facility (ESRI) and the Living in Ireland survey from the ESRI (Sweeney,2020). Women and

Children's Services revealed that single parents were likelier to live below the poverty line. With data and

literature, this study compiles what is currently known about the experiences of poor children. It also

draws attention to the most significant factors that raise a child's vulnerability to poverty, which may be

used to inform policy moving ahead. The following section summarizes the most important findings

regarding single-parent homes.

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Analysis findings

In 2018, 26.7% of kids were in danger of living below the 70% poverty level, 15.8% were in

danger of living below the 60% poverty line, and 7.4% were in danger of surviving in deep poverty - at or

under the 50% poverty threshold (Sweeney,2020). Studies suggest that single parents are more likely to

be unemployed and have lower levels of education than couples with children living in the same

household. As a result, the likelihood that lone parent and their children will live in poverty increases.

 Child poverty rates are more significant than usual in families that do not have access to

childcare services, suggesting that day-care is an essential factor.

 Single-parent families are likely to live below the poverty line.

 Single-parent homes have a higher rate of economic marginalization. They have fewer

options for affordable loans and are less prone to have bank accounts or savings.

Poverty and Inequality policies

Specific policy interventions are urgently necessary to alleviate child poverty and the difference in

poverty risk among age groups of children living in Ireland. The findings here imply that policy actions

adopted to alleviate child poverty amongst the earlier childhood (0-5) were beneficial. The same level of

dedication is required for kids of all ages and all areas of their lives (Tuc, 2017). However, in the Irish

context, more attention needs to be paid to how child poverty affects one-parent family members and how

it continues to operate along population movement, minority race. The situation of families has

emotionally attached significant interest in policy and research circles.

There are still reliable indices of child poverty, such as the job status of parents or caregivers and

their level of education. Assessing the efficacy of policies aimed at reducing child poverty needs to be

done in labour market activation and in-work benefits (Tuc, 2017). A work-first approach, which aims to

reduce poverty by getting people off benefits and into jobs as soon as possible, ignores the importance of

education and training in achieving economic independence, particularly for the most marginalized
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groups, according to the available evidence. Consequently, any welfare-to-work plan must leave the

opportunity for continued education and training.

Improvements in the availability of low-cost, round-the-clock child care, especially for working

families, are urgently needed. It is well-established that several policy processes, incorporating policy

from several Government Departments, are needed to create a decrease in child poverty. Departments that

believe in public programs for children and their families must continue to work together to combat child

poverty from multiple angles.

Strategies for Reducing Poverty in Ireland

1. Mandated increases in the minimum wage

Businesses must pay their employees at least the minimum wage established by the government.

Companies will be less able to hire workers if the minimum wage increases above the level at which the

market finds employment costs to be reasonable.

1. Social protections.

Social security can refer to several government-run programs. A nation's social security system is

another weapon in the government's arsenal for combating poverty by raising the purchasing power of the

lowest-income citizens.

3. No Income Tax at All

To mitigate the adverse effects of income taxes, the government provides subsidies to those with

lower incomes. A portion of the additional tax revenue can be allocated to help low-income people and

families. Most economists seem to think this is a fair way of dividing a country's wealth. Families and

individuals with low incomes can qualify for assistance under this program based solely on their income

levels. In contrast, it may help the lazy and unmotivated.

4. Added-Value Services
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The objective is to ensure that people living on limited resources have easy access to the resources

they require to improve their standard of living without having to take on additional debt. Charities are

one group that helps those in need by providing them with necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

Some argue that the poor are more likely to meet their basic needs if they receive in-kind benefits

(CommsAst, 2020).  Some believe the government shouldn't be able to make decisions regarding citizens'

well-being because of the risk of incompetence.

Conclusion

This context has provided a glimpse into the breadth of poverty-related studies conducted in

Ireland over the past fifteen years (Sweeney,2020). The decrease in absolute poverty and the noticeable

rise in living standards throughout this period are both highly positive trends. The following are some the

recommended questions that could be explored in subsequent studies:

 To what extent can broad improvements in the macroeconomic environment and specific policy

measures explain the decline in absolute and persistent poverty throughout the recent period?

 How well do the three indicators of household poverty correlate with one another? This expands

the job of hands, and it can only be done with the HBS. While the HBS has been used for research

in this area, it is still primarily underutilized and might benefit from a more in-depth examination

(Sweeney,2020).

 The need for additional research focusing on household dynamics both within and between

households

 More coordination between poverty indicators and those directly bearing on individuals' well-

being, like health.

Primary research in these arenas has sometimes already begun. It is envisaged that the breadth and

depth of study on poverty and welfare would increase even though macroeconomic changes in the

medium and long term will be less favourable as in recent years.

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References

Philipp, J. (2020, June 18). The State of Poverty in Ireland. The Borgen Project.

https://borgenproject.org/the-state-of-poverty-in-ireland/#:~:text=According%20to%20Social

%20Justice%20Ireland%E2%80%99s%202019%20report%20of

Sweeney, R. (2020). The state we are in: inequality in Ireland 2020. Foundation for European

Progressive Studies.

CommsAst. (2020). Lone Parents at Increased Risk of Poverty – One Family Ireland. Onefamily.ie.

https://onefamily.ie/lone-parents-at-increased-risk-of-poverty/

Tuc. (2017). Lone parents, work and poverty. Www.tuc.org.uk. https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-

analysis/reports/lone-parents-work-and-poverty
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