Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's comments. I recognise that the Government has perhaps come a small way towards meeting the grave concerns brought to our attention. Like myself, the Ceann Comhairle has probably received many representations on this issue and the retrograde and disproportionate changes the Minister has introduced in this section. It is felt that this is directed against fathers in particular. Recent Trinity College Dublin research shows that in 97% of separated families the courts deem the child's mother to be the primary carer. In that context, and in the context of having very good relationships between both parents as the child is growing, this is a retrograde move by the Government.

Many of my correspondents have noted that secondary carers do not get the majority of the ancillary benefits associated with caring for children, such as child benefit and medical cards. The number of people affected by this is significant, as the Minister knows. Notwithstanding the slight amendment that was brought in on Committee Stage, at which I unfortunately was unable to be present, for the amount of money the Minister hopes to save, the overall impact is detrimental. Therefore, I urge the Minister of State to consider withdrawing his proposal through our amendment.

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