A High Court ruling that the Department of Social Protection must reconsider their assessment of a separated father-of-four as a 'single man' - could have implications for parents in similar situations.

The man was seeking rent allowance for a home that could accommodate his children, but the department rejected his application, saying the children's mother was their primary carer.

High Court reporter for the Irish Times Mary Carolan was in court for the hearing yesterday, she says the joint custody played a significant role in the ruling;