Child maintenance set to be deducted from social welfare

The child maintenance suggestion was made by Minister McEntee

Minister McEntee believes that deducting the maintenance fee from social welfare will reduce the number of parents dodging the payments.

McEntee said: "Non-payment of child maintenance is a common problem and current enforcement options are limited."

Both McEntee and Minister Humphreys want to ensure every child is supported.

"That is why, working with Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, I am determined to ensure every child is properly supported," McEntee added.

"That will involve establishing an interdepartmental group to develop a set of child maintenance guidelines and I will do that without delay.

Both McEntee and Humphreys are also aware of how many private arrangements break down between co-parents. Introducing a scheme like this should help stop this from happening.

"I am aware many parents make private maintenance arrangements. However, there will always be circumstances in which private arrangements break down or are not possible.

"Courts are tasked with safeguarding the financial welfare of children and it is my firm intention that this review, along with changes being progressed through the Family Justice Strategy, will lead to a family justice system that is effective, efficient and that provides real justice," McEntee stressed.

What do you think of this potential strategy?

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