Seanad debates

Thursday, 23 March 2006

Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages.

 

12:00 pm

Photo of Michael McCarthyMichael McCarthy (Labour)

I support the amendment. No mercy should be shown to those who are found to be in dereliction of their duty to their children. Unfortunately, one could not call such people fathers because that is not how a father would behave. However, there are cases where people do not accept the responsibility that goes with parenthood, do not want to assume their duties and take no responsibility for the rearing of their children.

There is an increased burden on the State in terms of resources and the higher dependence on the Department given that both parents are not operating as a unit or that co-operation is not being provided by the former partner. It is essential that the full resources of the maintenance recovery unit are in place to ensure that such fathers are hauled over the coals and that they contribute any expense that has accrued to the Department due to their inability to fulfil their obligations, duties and responsibilities to their children. That money should be recouped. In the same way that no mercy should be shown to tax evasion, none should be shown in this area. The full resources of the Department should be deployed to the maintenance recovery unit to recoup costs from people who, because of their inability, lack of understanding and lack of contribution towards the rearing of their children, have placed an increased financial burden on the State.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.