Two thirds of separated fathers fail to pay maintenance

New figures claim that two thirds of separated fathers failed to pay maintenance to their children last year, according to the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The Government was forced to intervene in over 2,000 cases where separated parents refused to pay for their children's upkeep.

As a result of the action, a total of €8.5m was collected and paid to the children.

The Unmarried and Separated Fathers of Ireland group is rejecting the figures, claiming that thousands of fathers pay maintenance off-the-books.

"They cannot afford to pay maintenance because they're trying to look after themselves and sometimes a second family as well," said spokesperson Ray Kelly.

"We're asking the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to sit down and discuss these issues. We need some kind of communication between the department and family support agencies."