Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason determination orders issued by the maintenance recovery unit were not catered for in the legislation for the jobseeker's transitional payment; the reason her Department is failing to pursue liable relatives; if consideration has been given to amending the legislation, in view of this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37179/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department has a legislative basis to issue maintenance assessments to a liable relative where there is a one-parent family payment (OFP) in payment. However, this arrangement does not currently extend to other social welfare schemes.

As a result, once the OFP recipient’s youngest child reaches the age of 7 years, and their entitlement to the OFP payment ceases, the liability assessed under the liable relative provisions that are attached to the OFP scheme no longer applies, and the Department advises the liable relative accordingly. This applies where the contribution is being paid to the Department or to the OFP recipient. However, it is important to note that this does not affect any other maintenance arrangements that may be in place.

The Department is currently considering the current liable relative provisions and their extension beyond the OFP scheme.