Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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46. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Irish Central Authority have taken to enforce an order of the Circuit Family Court granting a lump sum order to a person (details supplied). [24820/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Central Authority for the Recovery of Maintenance from Abroad, which is in my Department, facilitates applications for the recovery of maintenance in other jurisdictions. Its role is to receive and transmit such applications to the relevant authorities abroad.

The enforcement of such orders including the provision of legal aid in another State is a matter for the relevant competent authority in that jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the Council Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 of 18 December 2008 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and co-operation in matters relating to maintenance obligations.

The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any matter which is, or may be, the subject of legal proceedings, but I understand that, in the case raised by the Deputy, the Irish Central Authority is in active and ongoing contact with the relevant Central Authority in the requested State, as well as the applicant who has been informed as to steps to be taken, in relation to the progression of the application for maintenance.