Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I would also like clarification in respect of section 171, which provides that a cohabitant may seek and get redress under subsequent sections. He or she can seek a property adjustment order, a compensatory maintenance order or, under section 185, a pension adjustment order. Married couples need to have been living apart for four or five years before they can seek such orders. I ask the Minister to address that clear anomaly. Why is there a difference between the treatment of cohabiting couples and married couples who have been living separately? In the first case, redress can be sought after two years if there are children involved, whereas a married couple who have been living separately cannot get redress for four or five years. I would like some clarification on that clear anomaly.

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