Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
441. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of maintenance orders issued in 2014 for the benefit of a child; the number of cases brought for non-compliance with a maintenance order in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28303/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the tables below provide details of maintenance orders issued in 2014 in the District and Circuit Court, and cases initiated in 2014 in respect of maintenance arrears (Circuit Court only).
Table 1: District Court - Maintenance orders made in 2014
|
Number |
Comment |
|
|
Section (5) (A) (2) (Unmarried brought by other) |
45 |
Child only |
|
Section (5) (A) (1) (Unmarried) |
3,450 |
Child only |
|
Section (5) (1) (b) (Married but living apart/deserted) |
223 |
Child only |
|
Section (5) (1) (a) (Married) |
1,542 |
May be for either child or spouse or both |
|
Lump Sum |
23 |
May be for either child or spouse or both |
Table 2: Circuit Court - Maintenance orders made in 2014 (children only)
|
CIRCUIT COURT |
Civil Partnership |
Divorce |
Judicial Separation |
Other |
Total |
|
Periodic payment to child |
2 |
536 |
323 |
35 |
896 |
|
Lump sum payment to Child |
0 |
30 |
14 |
2 |
46 |
Table 3: Maintenance Arrears: Cases initiated in 2014 in District Court
|
Recovery of Arrears - Attachment of Earnings |
262 |
|
Recovery of Arrears - Arrears Summons |
2,833 |
|
Reciprocal Jurisdiction - Recovery of Arrears |
48 |
|
Non-Reciprocal Jurisdiction - Recovery of Arrears |
9 |
Note: Information is not available as to whether cases initiated are in respect of children only, spouse only or child and spouse.
