Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status issue of determination orders which were not catered for in the jobseeker's transition legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18693/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department previously indicated its intention to review the current maintenance and liable relative procedures since the introduction of the one-parent family payment reforms. Officials in my Department are actively working on the detailed review required to progress this issue. This is a complex area that is not limited to the potential extension of these provisions to the jobseeker’s transitional payment and as a result the review will take time to complete. Any resultant changes would also require legislation.

The issue of maintenance payments is first and foremost a private matter for the persons concerned, and if they cannot resolve the problem, for the Courts through family law provisions.

The liability to maintain family provisions, contained in social welfare legislation, are separate to family law legislation. In every case where a one parent family payment is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) to ascertain whether he/she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of this payment. This does not alter an individual’s obligation to pay maintenance pursuant to a Court Order.

Currently, once the one-parent family payment recipient’s youngest child reaches age 7, and their entitlement to the one-parent family payment ceases, the liability assessed under the liable relative provisions no longer applies. My Department advises the liable relative accordingly. It is important to note that this does not affect any other maintenance arrangements that may be in place.