Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)

While I am aware the Department does not use child maintenance as a criterion by which to assess, it is alone in that regard. It is incredibly hit and miss across local authorities. Some count it whereas others do not. Does the Minister agree that child maintenance is for children and should not be considered as part of means tests for essential supports for adults and families? I hope the Department takes the lead on this because there is no standardisation, not even across local authorities. Part of the reason for that is each Department is making up its own rules, as are the local authorities. Standardisation is needed. I am hoping the Minister will work with me to develop and ensure that is achieved.

See this speech in context