Unmarried mothers in receipt of Social Welfare payments will have to provide proof of appointments with matchmakers or attendance at either the Mullingar or Ballybunion International Bachelor Festivals or the Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival in order to retain benefits.

“If they’re trying to find a man they’re fine,” a spokeswoman said. “We realise that some unfortunates will never find a man and that is also fine. We won’t penalise them for being hideous or for being the other thing… you know… lesbian. Sure we couldn’t do that.”

As matchmaking has nearly died out here Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin has arranged for Fas to introduce a matchmaking course. “”There are opportunities here for people who have lost their jobs to get back on their feet,” the spokeswoman said.

In preparation for the course, a team of Fas executives is to tour India studying matchmaking practices there. All unnecessary expenses will be receipted.