Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
902. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the timetable for the child maintenance review group to report in relation to child maintenance; if a draft report will be issued; her plans in relation to the establishment of a child maintenance agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63558/21]
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 thirteen meetings with further meetings planned. A consultation process to facilitate feedback from stakeholder groups and members of the public in order to inform the Group's work has been undertaken. I have been advised that the Group's report will by submitted to me by Easter 2022.
