Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the announcement of new government measures aimed at bringing greater fairness and clarity to child maintenance arrangements between parents.
Ireland’s first Child Maintenance Guidelines, along with an accompanying online calculator, were launched today by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan.
Commenting on the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:
“Too many single parents across the country face real hardship when child maintenance is not paid, with women most often negatively affected.
“The measures introduced today will help bring greater clarity and fairness for parents who choose to make child maintenance arrangements outside of the court system.
“These guidelines will ensure parents have a clearer understanding of what they are entitled to, while also improving transparency throughout the process.”
The Louth TD said the new online child maintenance calculator will provide a practical and accessible tool for parents. The calculator will assess child maintenance payments based on both parents’ gross incomes and the amount of time each parent spends caring for their child.
Deputy McGreehan added that the introduction of the guidelines represents a significant step forward in improving fairness, consistency, and transparency when parents are making child maintenance arrangements.
“The guidelines and calculator will be valuable tools for parents and are a welcome first step in ensuring the system works more effectively. Most importantly, they help ensure children are properly supported by both parents.
“I will be engaging with the Minister in the coming months to discuss further measures that could help ensure payments are made on time and reduce the potential for conflict.
“Regardless of circumstance, children and dependent parents must be financially supported.”
