Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the situation of a person (details supplied) will improve. [2671/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of the one-parent family payment.

All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are issued with a maintenance assessment setting out the amount of contribution assessed. The financial and new dependency situation of each liable relative is assessed in detail. The assessment is based on the net weekly income (i.e. income from all sources less income tax and PRSI) with deductions for a personal allowance in respect of personal needs, a child dependant allowance in respect of each child living with the liable relative, and an allowance may also be granted in respect of the liable relative’s accommodation costs. Any maintenance currently being paid to the one parent family recipient is also taken into account.

In the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the liable relative was issued with an assessment on 29 September 2015, based on the information available to the Department. To date, the person concerned has not made any contact with the Department. If the liable relative wishes to have his liability reassessed, he should write to Maintenance Recovery Unit, Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, providing additional relevant information. The amount assessed can be reviewed where new information comes to light about the financial or household circumstances of the liable relative.