Mr. Christopher Bowes:

I might add to that. There would be families that are currently in receipt of the payment on that basis. The existing legislation provides for these families, where there has been a separation or divorce, to receive the payment. This amending legislation would remove that entitlement, with effect from the date of enactment. This would have the effect of taking a payment away from a family or individual who is currently in receipt of it on that basis. In addition, people who will end up in that situation in the future will no longer be able to receive that payment on that basis. To add to what Ms Lucey was saying, the legislation is nuanced in this area, and it fills a gap. It provides that where a separated or divorced partner subsequently remarries or begins cohabiting with someone else, their entitlement will be removed. It does not matter whether they are cohabiting or if they remarry or enter a new civil partnership - their entitlement will end. This legislation is designed to address the gap or period where the financial support is not there from having a spouse or a civil partner.