Family & gender — Topics

4 Feb 2013

Subsidy for Enrolment in Student Care Centres

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the Ministry would consider providing higher subsidies for students placed in student care centres.
The government recently enhanced ComCare student care subsidies in July 2012 by raising the monthly household income criterion from $2,500 to $3,500 and introducing a per capita income criterion.
Subsidy quantum was increased to a cap of $255 per month, with lower-income families paying as little as $5 monthly, and a Start-up Grant of up to $400 was introduced.
As of December 2012, nearly 3,800 children were benefiting from the subsidies, and the Ministry will continue to review them for affordability and accessibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Feb 2013

Marital Rape

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene questioned the number of false police reports by spouses over the last decade and whether the lack of marital rape as a specific criminal offence leaves married women legally vulnerable compared to unmarried women.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs clarified that marital rape is already criminalized under the Penal Code since 2008 in cases where the marital relationship has broken down, such as during divorce proceedings or when protection orders are in place, and noted only one false report was issued in that context.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry and the Ministry of Social and Family Development are reviewing marital rape laws to reflect societal norms, though no specific timeline for completion was provided due to the issue's complexity and sensitivity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Reports Involving Women Being Dismissed or Discriminated Against During Work Appraisals

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked for statistics and reasons on reports of women being dismissed or discriminated against during work appraisals from 2003 to 2012.
The Ministry of Manpower receives about 70 cases annually from 2007 involving women feeling unfairly dismissed, with 70% related to pregnancy; most cases involve work issues like misconduct or poor performance and are resolved through mediation.
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices received eight gender discrimination complaints since 2007, mostly at pre-employment stages, with one in-employment case over non-confirmation after probation.
The government emphasized fair employment practices, urging employers to use objective appraisal systems and encouraging workers to seek help from TAFEP if they face discrimination.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Singaporean Children in Foster Care Homes, Children's Homes and Orphanages Eligible and Hoping for Adoption

Ms Irene Ng asked about the number of Singaporean children in foster care, children's homes, and orphanages eligible and hoping for adoption, as well as measures to promote adoption.
Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that children in alternative care are first prioritized for reintegration with their families, with adoption considered only when reintegration is not in the child's best interest, noting that only 37 children from such settings were adopted between 2007 and 2011.
The government provides pre-adoption briefings and facilitates the adoption process while ensuring the suitability of adoptive parents and that the arrangement serves the child's long-term best interests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Number of Long-Term Visit Pass Applications from Foreign Spouses Approved

Between 2007 and 2011, an average of 13,500 Long-Term Visit Pass applications were received annually from foreign spouses of Singaporeans, with about 11,500 approved each year.
Over the same period, an average of 4,300 applications were received annually from foreign spouses of Singapore PRs, with about 4,000 approved each year.
The data was provided by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs in response to a parliamentary question.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Total Fertility Rate of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

Asst Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Prime Minister for the total fertility rates of Singapore citizens and permanent residents over the past decade and whether the PR fertility rate would converge with that of citizens.
Teo Chee Hean responded that Singapore's total fertility rate for residents declined from 1.41 in 2001 to 1.20 in 2011, but the Department of Statistics does not compute separate fertility rates for permanent residents.
Instead, data on the average number of children born to ever-married women by residency status shows a similar decline for both citizens and permanent residents over the last ten years.
Birth trends are influenced by multiple factors such as economic conditions, age and education profiles, labor force participation, and personal decisions, making it difficult to predict future convergence of fertility rates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Demographic and Financial Profiles of Families with Foreign Spouses

From 2003-2012, there were 114,000 married couples with one Singapore citizen and one non-citizen spouse, of which 86% had the foreign spouse as a Permanent Resident and about 66% had at least one child below 21.
About 68% of foreign spouses were from Southeast Asia, 25% from other parts of Asia, and 59% of these households had a monthly income above the median of $5,600.
From 2007-2011, an average of about 4,300 Permanent Residence and 480 Singapore Citizenship applications from foreign spouses were rejected each year, with decisions based on factors like marriage duration, length of stay, children, and financial support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Correlation between Home Ownership and Marriage

Ms Tan Su Shan inquired about the number of singles aged 35 to 40 who bought HDB flats over the past decade, the percentage who married afterward compared to those who did not buy a home, and whether owning a home speeds up marriage, suggesting faster direct sales of Build-to-Order flats if true.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that singles cannot buy new HDB flats directly but can purchase resale flats at age 35 or older, with 18,000 singles aged 35 to 40 buying resale flats in the past decade, of whom 21% married subsequently, though data on non-buyers is unavailable.
The Minister noted that a policy allowing singles to buy new HDB flats for owner-occupation is being finalized and aims for implementation this year.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Housing Requirements of Singles

Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned whether the age requirement for singles to buy new HDB flats could be lowered and called for a study on housing needs for single Singaporeans aged 25 to 34.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan reaffirmed that public housing policy supports a pro-family framework, encouraging singles to live with families for mutual support.
Khaw explained that singles can buy new flats from age 21 if forming a family nucleus with parents, or resale flats at age 35 to live independently, with the age limit tied to promoting marriage and parenthood.
He noted that while policy revisions for singles buying new flats with restrictions are being considered, there are no plans to lower the minimum age due to marriage rates peaking between 25 and 34.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jan 2013

Election of Speaker

Parliament congratulated Halimah Yacob on her historic election as the first female Speaker, praising her extensive experience as a union leader, MP, and Minister of State, and expressing confidence in her ability to preside impartially over debates on national challenges like aging populations and economic competition.
Members acknowledged the resignation of former Speaker Michael Palmer due to an improper relationship, commending his service while emphasizing the need for MPs to uphold high ethical standards, and extended wishes for his personal recovery.
Speakers from both sides of the House expressed strong support for Halimah Yacob, highlighting her advocacy for workers, women, and vulnerable groups, and her role in breaking the glass ceiling, while pledging to maintain decorum and focus on key issues like the Population White Paper and Budget.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Cost of Treatment for Babies with Congenital Diseases

Christopher de Souza asked the Ministry of Health to consider subsidising healthcare costs for babies with congenital disorders and expanding MediShield coverage to include such conditions for babies.
Gan Kim Yong responded that Singaporeans already receive up to 80% subsidies for subsidised treatment in public hospitals and can apply for financial assistance like Medifund if needed, with cumulative costs considered in eligibility assessments.
The Ministry is conducting a broader review on supporting parents' healthcare needs, including considering extending MediShield to congenital conditions as part of discussions on marriage, parenthood, and the "Our Singapore Conversation" initiative.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Recurrent Funds Disbursed to Non-profit Childcare Anchor Operators

Mr Yee Jenn Jong questioned the amount, determination, and KPIs for recurrent grants to non-profit childcare anchor operators, and whether they must report on grant usage and KPI performance.
Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that since 2009, $69 million has been disbursed based on centres built, manpower, and performance, with operators required to submit regular reports and meet quality and affordability targets.
Yee highlighted low SPARK accreditation rates—far below the 2013 target—and asked if this indicates unmet quality standards and whether grant disbursement should be more directly linked to objectives like staff retention.
Chan responded that efforts are made to help centres meet SPARK standards and that funding is withheld from those failing to meet requirements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Extending HOPE Scheme Coverage

Ang Wei Neng asked how many women joined the HOPE scheme this year and suggested relaxing eligibility to include mothers aged 35-40 with up to four children.
The Minister stated the scheme supports young low-income families who choose to keep families small, with 222 families joining in the first nine months, and noted a review is ongoing.
Ang Wei Neng urged an earlier review to assist mothers with multiple children and avoid a cycle of hardship, emphasizing the need for timely support.
The Minister advised that families needing help can be referred to the Ministry for assistance through the HOPE scheme or other avenues, regardless of eligibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Nov 2012

Age-related Fertility Decline

The Ministry of Health acknowledges public awareness of age-related fertility decline and works with agencies to educate Singaporeans, including youths in tertiary institutions, through talks, workshops, and media to encourage earlier marriage and parenthood.
The Women’s Health Advisory Committee’s scope could be expanded to include sub-fertility issues as part of a holistic women’s health programme, complementing broader parenthood promotion efforts.
The government currently allows egg-freezing only for medical reasons and is reviewing the medical, scientific, and ethical implications of social egg-freezing, noting risks, limited data on long-term outcomes, and potential social misconceptions.
Egg-freezing is not considered a foolproof solution, and natural child-bearing within marriage while young is still encouraged, with the minister noting that age-related fertility issues affect both men and women.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Women Returning to Work

The Ministry for Manpower does not set specific targets for returning working mothers to the workforce, but focuses on reducing barriers for economically inactive individuals, including mothers, to re-enter employment.
Flexible work arrangements and incentives like the Work-Life Works! Fund and Flexi-Works! scheme are promoted to help employers support work-life balance and recruit economically inactive persons.
Programs such as the Workfare Income Supplement and Workfare Training Support are available to assist low-wage workers, with training and upskilling emphasized to maintain employability for all Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Child Adoption in Singapore

Ms. Irene Ng inquired about the trends, numbers, foreign origins, and profiles of adopters for child adoption in Singapore.
Child adoptions decreased from 703 in 2001 to 418 in 2011, with over half involving children from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
Most adopters are Chinese, aged 35 to 50, with a household income of $6,000 to $7,000, and typically apply jointly with their spouse.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Government Subsidy for Reversal of Ligation or Sexual Sterilisation

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the criteria for government subsidy for the reversal of ligation or sexual sterilisation.
The Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, responded that subsidies are currently not provided for such reversals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

HDB Loan Criteria for Second-Time Applicants

Tin Pei Ling asked about the number of second-time BTO applicants, how many are divorced single parents, and whether HDB should exclude single parents with custody from being classified as second-timers.
Khaw Boon Wan stated there are 16,900 second-time BTO applicants this year, with 1,400 (8%) being divorced single parents with children.
He explained that the second-timer status ensures priority for first-time applicants but acknowledged financial difficulties faced by divorced single parents.
HDB offers support such as budget-friendly flat options, resale levy incorporation, extended loans, interim rental housing, or public rental flats for those unable to purchase a home.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) Beneficiaries

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about the number of families benefiting from the HOPE scheme since its start, the ethnic breakdown of beneficiaries, and the scheme’s relevance given Singapore’s declining population.
Chan Chun Sing stated that 2,674 families were on HOPE as of September 2012, with ethnic breakdown based on mothers’ ethnicity: 45% Malay, 33% Chinese, 15% Indian, and others.
He noted that HOPE is a voluntary scheme for young low-income families, providing cash grants, housing, training, education support, and mentoring.
Chan Chun Sing mentioned that the Ministry of Social and Family Development will review the scheme to consider refinements or improvements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2012

Staff-child Ratio for Childcare and Infant Care Service Centres

Ms Low Yen Ling questioned whether the Ministry would review the current staff-child ratio guideline for infant care, which is one caregiver to five infants, and suggested supplementing it with educarers or assistants.
The Acting Minister explained that the current ratio is a minimum standard, and many centres adopt better ratios and employ para-personnel; raising the requirement could increase costs and deter centres from providing infant care services.
The Ministry conducts regular visits to ensure care standards, advises centres to review staffing, and is working to increase the supply of trained infant carers.
Ms Low asked if there are medium-term plans to lower the staff-child ratio for infant care and whether the Ministry would publish detailed ratio information for parents.
The Minister responded that the Ministry regularly reviews ratios and will make information available as centres provide it.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source