David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

In the light of an earlier response from the Minister, what is he doing with all these savings? He said he has no money.

Is it true that when fathers pay directly to the mother — in most cases the liable relative is a father — the child is better off because the payment is 50% more than it would be if the payment was paid directly by the Department, in other words, if the payment is made to the Department, the one parent family payment stays as it is, but if the payment is made directly to the parent who lives with the child, that parent can retain 50% of the maintenance payment? Why is that not made known to liable relatives — fathers in most cases — when letters of determination are sent? Is it not the case that children lose out because of this?

Why does the Department not make the same level of payment to the family as it would receive if the payment was made directly to the family by the other parent? Surely an anomaly exists in this regard. When payments are made to the Department rather than directly to the family, why does the Department retain the contribution from the liable relative? Does the Minister not agree that children lose out if payments are made directly to the Department?

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