A Child Maintenance Review Group is currently examining the liable relative provisions operated by the Department of Social Protection.
This is according to the Department which issued a statement to Northern Sound this week in response to Deputy Pauline Tully’s calls to extend legislation to allow the unit to continue seeking a contribution from the non-custodial parent for the duration of payment of Jobseekers Transition.
Meanwhile, the Group’s aim is to reform the child maintenance system and address key issues such as calculations, facilitation, and enforcement, guided by international best practice.
It has also been tasked with examining the treatment of maintenance payments in the social welfare system and whether or not there is a case for a child maintenance agency in Ireland.
The Group's report is expected to be submitted to Minister Heather Humphreys by Easter.
The Department pointed out tat it would be "inappropriate" to make changes to the liable relative provisions in advance of the Group concluding its deliberations and reporting to the Minister.
"The Government considers it should await the outcome of the review and consider its recommendations in their entirety before making any changes in this area," a spokesperson continued.
"That is why the Government tabled a timed amendment, of six months, to the Private Member's Bill last week."
Meanwhile, Deputy Tully says lone parents "are being unfairly forced into court" to prove they have sought maintenance to qualify for payments.
She added that once a child turns seven, not only does the Department of Social Protection stop seeking a contribution from the non-custodial parent, it writes to them indicating they are no longer obliged to contribute.
