Insolvent father seeking access to child ‘went on a foreign holiday’

A father seeking extended access to his child went on a foreign holiday, drives a luxury car, and was seen on social media “socialising” in a number of bars and restaurants while not paying maintenance to his former partner.

The mother’s solicitor told a family law court in Cork that the claims that his current girlfriend is funding his entire life, as he has been declared insolvent and is unemployed. The mother’s solicitor said the primary-school aged child does not want extended access with the father at this time. A previous judge heard from the child “extensively”, and had granted just two hours access on a Sunday, she said.

The mother’s solicitor said the court had to hear the voice of the child before any decision to extend access was considered.

“This child needs to be heard, wants to be heard,” she said.

“The child has grown out of the relationship with the father because of his behaviour. I cannot understand how this man is functioning. We have a lot of questions about his means.

“He is telling the court he has no money, yet social media shows him out drinking and socialising. There is concern that the child is being brought to pubs.”

The solicitor highlighted a variety of “social hostelries” — as shown on a bank statement — that the man had visited in Cork City, including a lap-dancing club.

In response, the father’s solicitor said a “very dim picture” was being painted of her client. She said the man has been declared insolvent, although he was once part of a family business that was very successful in the Celtic Tiger years.

She said the father had played an active role in the child’s life.

“He has been there since the child was born, but since the mother got married in 2014, there has been a systematic withdrawal of access,” the man’s solicitor told the court.

She said the child cannot be “brought into every judge who hears this case”.

The judge suggested a psychological assessment take place, but said it would cost €1,500 to €3,000. Asked who would pay for it, the man’s solicitor said his parents were willing to pay.

The mother’s solicitor expressed her outrage at this.

“This man can’t pay for maintenance but finds money for this,” she said. “He says his girlfriend pays for everything, essentially funding his whole life, he is going on holidays, continues to be out socialising and drinking while my client is living hand to mouth.”

The case was adjourned to try and facilitate a hearing in front of the judge who had previously heard from the child.