Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the steps he will take to respond to cases where maintenance payments have not been made for periods longer than 26 weeks; if parents will be allowed recover unpaid maintenance beyond the 26-week period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35398/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to section 8 of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 under which the District Court can order arrears of maintenance of up to six months. The provision is obviously one of long standing and was an attempt to strike a balance between the ability of a debtor to pay and the need to support a spouse and children on the basis of what is reasonable in all the circumstances. I look forward to debate on my proposals for the better enforcement of maintenance orders which are contained in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill currently before the House.