Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2021
119. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection when the child maintenance review group will conclude and issue its findings; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16128/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government established a Child Maintenance Review Group to examine certain issues in relation to child maintenance in Ireland. The Group is chaired by former Circuit Court Judge Catherine Murphy and includes legal, policy and academic professionals as well as officials from my Department and the Department of Justice.
The Group's Terms of Reference are to consider and make recommendations on: (i) the current treatment of child maintenance payments in my Department; (ii) the current provisions regarding liable relatives managed by my Department; and (iii) the establishment of a Child Maintenance Agency in Ireland.
The work of the Group is well underway. To date the Group has held five meetings and there are a number of other meetings scheduled on a regular basis over the coming months.
A consultation process is ongoing to facilitate feedback from stakeholder groups and members of the public in order to inform the Group's work. This process will close for submissions on 26 March.
The Group's report is expected later this year.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
