5,184 single parents currently receive social benefits. Answering a question put by MP Clyde Puli, Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia said the total amount paid out is €59,663,421 including social assistance, social assistance for single parents, unemployment benefit and medical assistance, but excludes children's allowance.  

The Nationalist MP asked how many single mothers received social benefits last year and by how much their number had been reduced as a result of the Budget measures.

Dr Farrugia said 5,555 single parents were on benefits at the end of last year.