It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
Under the "Liability to Maintain Family" provisions of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, the spouse of a person receiving, inter alia, deserted wife's benefit must contribute to the Department towards the cost of that benefit in respect of his family. This liability may be offset, in whole or in part, by the transfer to the Department of any maintenance payments which are being made in compliance with a court order.
The person concerned was awarded £60 per week maintenance for herself under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976 in the District Court. She is receiving deserted wife's benefit at the maximum rate of £85.10 per week for herself and one dependent child. She is also receiving half-rate disability benefit of £32.25 per week since August 1995. Prior to that she was in various employments and received half-rate unemployment benefit periodically in addition to her deserted wife's benefit.