Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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225. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to have an automatic deduction at source from social welfare to the person who has custody of a child, in view of the fact that this would lower the one-parent family payment and the family income supplement bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11825/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The issue of maintenance payments is first and foremost a private matter for the person concerned, and if s/he cannot resolve the problem, for the courts through family law provisions.

Under family law, it is possible to apply to the court for an Attachment of Earnings Order, which would mean that maintenance payments are deducted directly by that person’s employer. An Attachment of Earnings Order can be sought if the person is in employment, on a social welfare payment or on a private pension, resulting in the maintenance being deducted at the source. Under the Family Law Act 1995, it is possible to apply for this attachment at the initial maintenance hearing, if the person applying to court fears that there will be a default.

This Department complies with all such Family Law Maintenance Orders received by deducting the amount specified on the court order from a social welfare payment which, in turn, may result in a reduction of the One-Parent Family payment.