Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
235. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that some payment sections are still including child maintenance as means in assessments; if she will issue direction on this to all sections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9829/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Report of the Child Maintenance Review Group was published in November 2022 and the Government accepted the Group's recommendations regarding the social welfare system. These changes include decoupling child maintenance and social welfare and represent significant reforms, which will be of great benefit to lone parents. Amendments to both primary and secondary legislation as well as changes to some of the Department’s systems, application forms and processes are required.
Since late 2022 my Department has ceased applying the Liable Relative provisions to new claims for One-Parent Family Payment on an administrative basis. My Department also stopped applying the "efforts to seek maintenance" requirement on an administrative basis pending the required amendment to Regulations which I have since made.
Disregarding child maintenance payments in the means test for social welfare payments will mean that many lone parents currently on a reduced rate of payment will see their payment increase and some additional lone parents will qualify for a payment. It is estimated that this measure will be of direct benefit to approximately 16,000 lone parents at a cost of approximately €10 million per year.
The rules in relation to the means test are set out in primary legislation. They are one of the provisions that determine whether a person qualifies for payment and the key factor in determining a person’s rate of payment. As such it would not be appropriate to amend those arrangements on an administrative basis.
I was delighted to publish the necessary primary legislation before Christmas and I am very pleased at how quickly we have been able to bring the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Once the Bill is enacted I intend to commence its provisions in early course.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
