Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague Deputy Kerrane on introducing this important legislation. It is unfortunate that the Government has decided to kick the can down the road for six months. I understand that there is the child maintenance review group. While it is welcome that something is being done, these people need help right now. The Government has form, in that when practical measures are being proposed by the Opposition, they often fall on deaf ears.

From our clinics and speaking to our constituents, family members and neighbours, we all know how difficult many lone parents have it when going through the courts. Any practical and simple step like the one suggested by Deputy Kerrane in her Bill and as previously proposed by Fianna Fáil, and that would provide these people with assistance, should be taken as a matter of urgency. We have had many debates in the Chamber about the increase in the cost of living and we are all acutely aware of the pressures that people face. We are now discussing people who are at risk of poverty or, as in many cases, are already in poverty and we need to do everything we can to help them.

The Minister of State and others have mentioned how this approach is being taken in other places, including the North. My colleague, Deputy Kerrane, has been talking about it for many years. It is not new, but it can be done in a practical and easy way. For people who are in such a difficult situation and have to go through the courts - that in itself is difficult, including in terms of the outcomes - this practical approach could work for them and make payments more accessible. Just this week, one such parent who attended my clinic said how difficult the entire process was. It can be difficult, as it is not something that people would be used to.

It is unfortunate that the Bill is not being accepted this moment and is being put back for six months. I suggest that the amendment be removed at the end of those six months. It is not the first time that this proposal has been before the Dáil. It should have been enacted as soon as it was proposed. It is a simple measure to make matters easier for people. We should all be here to propose as many practical and simple solutions as possible to make life easier for people. That is what they have elected us to do.

I commend my colleague Deputy Kerrane on introducing this Bill and, like Deputy Martin Kenny, I urge the Minister of State to reconsider his amendment.

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