Dr. Keith Walsh:

I agree with the agency concept. A simplification of maintenance or more transparency so people have a better idea of what they are entitled to would be welcome. Maintenance is something that helps people out of poverty, particularly if they are trying to cope with children on their own. We should have a more streamlined system for maintenance. It is really a kind of means tested exercise, to a great degree, involving children. There must be a more efficient way than the way we are currently dealing with it. There would certainly be an argument for maintenance to be dealt with in a more streamlined way and any reform of the court structure should look at that. We should look at the enforcement of payment, but also how do we get there and is there a way to do it quicker.