Government to crack down on non-compliance with child maintenance orders

The review recommends strengthening the attachment of earnings order and exploring the possibility of attaching an order to a PPS number rather than employing entities. File photo: iStock

The Government is planning to take a tougher line when it comes to the enforcement of Child Maintenance orders.

A new review by the Department of Justice includes 26 recommendations to improve the current system, focusing mainly on compliance and deterrence.

Developing child maintenance guidelines and introducing additional enforcement mechanisms are central to the proposal.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that it is "clearly unacceptable" that the current enforcement options available are limited in scope and impact.

"At a later point, I will seek government approval for other recommendations which will require legislative change to ensure I do everything I can to ensure security and stability for children," said Ms McEntee.

"My colleague Minister Humphreys is also looking at what actions she can take and I welcome her intention to bring forward measures in the near future which will also help alleviate the risk of poverty for families in this situation."

The review recommends strengthening the attachment of earnings orders and exploring the possibility of attaching an order to a PPS number rather than employing entities.

It also recommends simplifying the bench warrant process and placing the onus on paying parents to pay for costs associated with enforcement proceedings.

Another key recommendation would see deductions from the paying parent’s bank accounts, from government grants and subsidies and the recovery of arrears from tax refunds.

Suspended jail terms for parents who fail to pay maintenance are also suggested.

Barnardos national policy manager Stephen Moffatt said the charity welcomes protection for some of the most vulnerable in society.

"It could make a significant difference to a lot of children out there," said Mr Moffatt.

He said that they want to see a reduction in the number of non-payments and see payments received on time without having to be chased.

"That is what is going to determine the success and is going to have a real impact on children who are already experiencing disadvantage."

One key recommendation would see deductions from the paying parent’s bank accounts, from government grants and subsidies and the recovery of arrears from tax refunds.