Written Answers Nos. 730-749
730. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an Acceptable Usage of ICT Resources Policy which sets out our commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable ICT environment for all users and also defines the correct and acceptable use of ICT Resources.
Apps such as WhatsApp while sometimes used for non-sensitive communications are not part of the organisation’s standard suite of applications for conducting official business. Communicated policies advise that all sensitive communications are conducted through approved and managed systems.
731. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason spouse visa timelines have jumped from one month to six; if a compassionate prioritisation can be provided for couples who have already endured long-term separation or are facing health crises and ensure transparency for families who are currently left in the dark. [37243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified that his question relates to Join Family visas.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. In respect of join family visa applications, the majority receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Processing times and decisions at the Visa Offices in Dublin and overseas can be checked at the following link: [www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions]
It should be noted that some applications can take considerably longer. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.
The current processing times of applications for “join family” visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit, they can apply for “join family” visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and typically receive a first instance decision within the 10-12 week business target.
People who make “join family” visa applications separately from the above process, and for those here on General Employment Permits, they will generally receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Applications are generally taken for processing in chronological order. However, as advised, the time required to process any individual application can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the level of verification required, and the individual circumstances involved. As a result, some more recently submitted applications may receive a decision before earlier applications.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.
In this context, the ongoing Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) modernisation programme is designed to support a more efficient, transparent and accessible immigration system. The recent establishment of dedicated teams for Application Submission and Join Family Case Processing are intended to help streamline workflows, reduce duplication and strengthen expertise, thereby improving the service delivery for join family visa applications.
I can advise the Deputy that expediting a visa application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances, such as, if a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation, or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement. Requests to expedite an existing visa application or for an emergency visa can be made through my Department's Customer Service Portal at: [https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/]. Applicants should also engage with the relevant Embassy of Ireland and provide supporting evidence of the nature of the emergency. Each request is assessed individually, and while every effort is made to process urgent cases quickly, not all requests to expedite an application can be granted.
732. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the age profile of the Garda vehicle fleet attached to Garda National Immigration Bureau. [37278/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational policing matters and responsibility for the allocation and deployment of equipment and resources available to him, including the Garda fleet.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number and age of vehicles attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
|
Age |
Number of Vehicles |
Percentage |
|
<1 year |
2 |
5.6% |
|
1-2 years |
1 |
2.8% |
|
2-4 years |
7 |
19.4% |
|
4-6 years |
12 |
33.3% |
|
6+ years |
14 |
38.9% |
|
Total |
36 |
100% |
I am informed that all vehicles are operated up to the manufacturers durability limits or uneconomic repair, irrespective of age. A comprehensive Service Repair and Maintenance programme is in place to ensure that all vehicles are operating to manufacturers specifications.
It should be noted that the responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances. The allocation of these vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis.
733. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of individuals who presented as unaccompanied minors between 2023 and 2025 and were referred to Tusla by the International Protection Office, but were initially deemed ineligible for services under the Child Care Acts and accommodated within the IPAS system; and of those cases, the number that were subsequently re-assessed as eligible for Tusla services and later taken into State care. [37300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
Under the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015, Section 14 requires the International Protection Office to refer an unaccompanied minor to Tusla. Tusla then carry out an assessment for eligibility for services under the Childcare Acts. Where Tusla find that the applicant is not an unaccompanied minor (UAM), the applicant is returned to the IPO to make their application as an adult. It remains open to the applicant to request a re-assessment based on submission of a valid form of identity which supports these assertions.
In cases where Tusla have determined an individual is not eligible to access their services, the individual's application is managed through the process as an adult and accommodated as such.
Between 2023 and 2025, 770 individuals who had presented as unaccompanied minors were referred by the IPO to Tusla. Complete data for 2023 is not readily available. However, in an effort to address the Deputy’s question, I can confirm that, of the individuals who were referred to Tusla between 2024 and March 2026, 60% subsequently made applications in the IPO as minors, 27% as adults and 13% had, at the time of analysis, not yet made an application. Additionally, between 2024 and March 2026, there were 5 applicants who were referred to Tusla under this process, made their application as an adult and were subsequently determined to be children.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 was passed into law in April and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus on preparing for these new rules to take effect on 12 June 2026.
The Act brings additional safeguards into the age assessment process such as the appointment of a representative to the applicant and additional assessment criteria underage assessment such as a psychosocial assessment.
Under the Pact,
* Where age cannot be established, a presumption of minority will apply and the applicant will be referred to Tusla, as soon as possible.
* The Department will complete an age assessment on applicants claiming to be an UAM. The assessment will be multidisciplinary, carried out by trained professionals and use the least invasive methods available. This process is currently being designed and Tusla are represented on the working group carrying out this design work.
* Those who claim to be an UAM will be assigned a representative who will assist them throughout screening, including, where applicable, the age assessment process. The role of such a representative will also be to assist and guide the individual through the international protection application process with a view to safeguarding the best interests of the child and, in particular, to assist with the lodging of the application for international protection and the personal interview.
734. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department will review an application (details supplied), given the exceptionally long processing period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37334/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that after a full consideration by a Visa Officer the Join Family visa application referred to was granted and a visa sticker was issued 07 May 2026.
735. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide assurance that the State is prepared to address any potential drone attack without breaching necessary security provisions, including from AI powered drones, during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council and the hosting of the European Political Summit. [37433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCounter-drone capability will be necessary for major events being hosted in the State during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of this year.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the State is equipped to counter threats posed by drones through a combination of investment in domestic capability and through international partnerships, where appropriate.
An Garda Síochána is responsible for countering drones which might pose a security threat in the State in the context of the forthcoming Presidency of the EU Council.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has counter drone capacity in place in terms of both detection and mitigation and that the organisation continues to build that capacity in line with best international practice. Additional funding has been provided by Government for this purpose. As the Deputy will appreciate, the specifics surrounding the equipment procured are security sensitive matters which cannot be put into the public domain.
The Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for the regulation of Irish airspace and ensuring it is used safely and efficiently.
The Defence Forces also have an important role to play both in the defence of the State and as an aid to the civil power, on request, whether in relation to counter-drone capability or other capabilities to support the safe and secure delivery of the EU Presidency. They are also making significant investments in counter-drone capabilities.
In addition to domestic capacity, the support of international partners is also available to An Garda Síochána. This support has been availed of successfully in the recent past.
As Minister, I am regularly briefed by the Garda Commissioner on the policing and security aspects of planning for the Presidency and I am satisfied that An Garda Síochána will have capacity in place commensurate with policing services in other European countries and that it will deliver a similarly effective security operation during our forthcoming Presidency.
736. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take to examine the circumstances in which a person (details supplied) was not informed of the death of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37437/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that all victims receive the supports and protections that they need is important for me as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. While I cannot comment on individual cases, I can provide information on victims’ rights to receive information about their case.
Section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 transposes Article 6 of EU Directive 2012/29/EU (‘the Victims Directive’) establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. Section 8 of the Act relates to a victim’s right to receive information about their case.
Victims are informed of their rights under the Act through initial engagement with investigating Gardaí at the earliest stage of the investigation.
This is supported by structured information materials developed by my Department, including the Victims Charter and the “Know Your Rights” national awareness campaign.
The purpose of these materials is to ensure victims are aware of both their entitlements under the Act and supports available to them, and that they understand how the criminal justice process operates from the outset.
This early engagement is intended to promote clarity and ensure victims are properly informed of their rights. An Garda Síochána are committed to maintaining a helpful and supportive relationship with victims of crime. Looking after their concerns and needs is a priority for the organisation.
In certain cases, such as murder, road traffic fatalities and kidnappings, Garda Family Liaison Officers, (FLOs) will be appointed. FLOs are appointed to keep victims’ families informed of the progress of the investigation, and to ensure that they are afforded appropriate and relevant information and practical support. There are currently 474 specially trained FLOs in An Garda Síochána.
Post-conviction information is managed through separate arrangements within the criminal justice system, including Garda victim liaison mechanisms and relevant operational procedures within the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service, where applicable.
The Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service provides victims who have opted into the service with general information on the prison system. The Probation Service, which is responsible for the supervision of offenders in the community following release, do not operate as a victim notification body under the Act.
737. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of additional staff employed or that will be employed by his Department directly or under contract for the purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 [37457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and I are committed to playing a full part in delivering a successful Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
My Department has hired an additional 8 staff through a specific competition for Presidency Policy Officers, with a further 4 Presidency Policy Officers to be onboarded in the coming weeks. In addition, 2 Graduate Policy Officers have been hired to work on Justice and Home Affairs matters in the Irish Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels.
This brings the total number of additional staff hired by my Department to work on the Presidency to 14. These officers have been hired on fixed term contracts until the end of Ireland’s Presidency.
My Department has also posted an additional 13 officers to the Irish Permanent Representation in Brussels to assist with work in the run up to and during the Irish Presidency while a further 21 staff have been transferred to areas of the Department that will be most impacted by increased workloads during the Presidency. These staff have been transferred to these duties from within existing Department staff numbers.
740. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details on the management of individuals subject to deportation orders who are present at a facility (details supplied); whether his Department has performed a safeguarding or security risk assessment concerning the presence of individuals awaiting the enforcement of deportation orders; the number of individuals currently residing in or being processed at the facility who are subject to an active deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the accommodation protocols for individuals subject to deportation orders who are currently residing at a location (details supplied); if he will confirm whether persons under such orders are being accommodated within the same premises where members of the general public have access to licensed restaurant and hospitality facilities; the specific risk or safeguarding assessments conducted by his Department, International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), or the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in relation to this arrangement; the total number of residents at that specific location who are currently subject to a signed deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra739. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the accommodation protocols for individuals subject to deportation orders who are currently residing within a facility (details supplied); if he will confirm whether persons under such orders at these locations are being accommodated within the same premises; the specific risk or safeguarding assessments conducted by his Department, International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), or the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) regarding the co-location of these residents with public-facing hospitality services, licensed restaurant, leisure centre, and also the local community; the total number of residents at the facility respectively who are subject to a signed deportation order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 740, 738 and 739 together.
A deportation order is a legal order to leave the State. The enforcement of deportation orders, and the detention of people prior to their removal, is an operational matter for Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Individuals who have been issued with a deportation order are required to present to the GNIB in accordance with the conditions of their deportation order. Failure to do so may result in arrest and detention to facilitate their deportation from the State.
The properties mentioned in the details supplied are not a prescribed place of detention under the Immigration Act 1999 (Deportation) Regulations 2005. While some people currently resident in this facility, may be the subject of a deportation order, it is not the case that they are being detained in those locations or those facilities.
People and families who are subject to deportation orders are also accommodated in other centres around the country. The purpose of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres remains to provide accommodation to people who have entered Ireland seeking protection.
The number of people resident in IPAS centres, who have been refused permission to remain in the State is a small proportion of our total resident population of over 33,000 people.
Currently, there are over 800 people subject to deportation orders residing in IPAS accommodation. This number fluctuates regularly, as people leave Ireland under the relevant return pathways, and as new orders are made. People with a deportation order are at the end of the process but if they are still in IPAS while that’s being administered, they live there as residents and part of the community.
Some people subject to deportation orders may have the enforcement of their order suspended due to legal proceedings or due to personal circumstances such as health grounds. Others will be in the process of arranging to leave the State as directed.
The Department, and accommodation centre management and staff, work closely and cooperate with the Garda National Immigration Bureau as they progress arrangements for the removal of persons subject to deportation orders.
741. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency protocols in place at a facility for handling medical or psychiatric emergencies involving residents; whether he is aware of an incident on 9 May 2026 (details supplied) and reports that centre security claimed no responsibility for the individual's welfare once they had passed the facility gates; to clarify the "boundary of responsibility" defined in service-level agreements with management and security contractors regarding the duty of care owed to residents when they are in the surrounding community; if he will address the lack of a dedicated management contact number for the facility for use by local residents and emergency services during such incidents; to detail the findings of any risk or safeguarding assessments conducted regarding the impact of the facilities operations on the safety and welfare of both residents and the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37573/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has a mandate to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection. People who are accommodated in IPAS accommodation centres are free to come and go. The role of the centre manager and contracted security services, at IPAS accommodation centres, is to provide services to everyone in the accommodation centre.
Accommodation is currently provided in over 300 locations all over the country, in every county. 1 in 4 of our residents is a child with their family. Many people seeking international protection are working in the local community, participating in training and attending school within the local community.
Regardless of their regular accommodation setting, if a person experiences a medical emergency within a community setting, the appropriate action is to contact the emergency services who are equipped to respond appropriately.
The provision of supports and services to people seeking international protection is a whole of Government response.
IPAS works closely with the HSE. People applying for international protection access health services through mainstream services: primary care, GP and emergency services. IPAS will advise their HSE liaison in advance of residents being accommodated.
While accommodated at the Citywest Reception and Accommodation centre, residents will receive the same supports as at other IPAS locations. This includes access to medical care via the HSE social inclusion outreach teams and medical card provision; IPAS customer services team clinics; onsite support from the provider’s staff; and psycho-social and integration support from NGO partners.
IPAS has a dedicated Resident Welfare Team comprising subject matter experts seconded to the team on a full time basis, as well as a number of support officers, who direct applicants with special reception needs within our accommodation, to relevant services or provide other appropriate information, as required. These include Social Workers and personnel from the National Social Inclusion Office at the HSE, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) from the Tusla Education Support Services (TESS).
Where appropriate, the Resident Welfare Team engages with the centre managers and NGOs on-site to ensure that an applicant’s reception needs can be addressed within their current accommodation centre, providing information and support and signposting persons to relevant services. IPAS Social Workers seconded to the Resident Welfare Team are available to help applicants with high levels of vulnerability, and can make onward referrals to services and advocate for vulnerable persons as appropriate.
If a medical emergency arises within an IPAS accommodation centre, centre managers are required to contact National Emergency Services. IPAS has protocols and procedures in place for centre managers to submit incident reports and to report emergencies that occur within the accommodation setting to IPAS.
742. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of maintenance orders issued by the courts in each of the past five years; and the estimated proportion that went unenforced or required further court applications to recover arrears. [37574/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Furthermore, the making of a maintenance order is a matter for the presiding judge.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: [oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie]. To be of assistance, I have referred this question regarding the number of maintenance orders issued to the Courts Service for direct reply.
744. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of attachment of earnings orders have been applied for and granted in each of the past five years. [37576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Furthermore, the making of an attachment of earnings order is a matter for the presiding judge, and as Minister I have no role in this regard.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: [oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie]. To be of assistance, I have referred this question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
749. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the oversight that exists to ensure that repeated non-compliance with court orders does not occur without enforcement action. [37581/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra743. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration has been given to introducing stronger sanctions for repeated breaches of maintenance orders, particularly in cases where arrears are routinely paid at the last minute to avoid enforcement. [37575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra745. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the financial impact on custodial parents, who must repeatedly return to court to enforce maintenance orders, has been assessed. [37577/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra746. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the operation of the family law system in relation to maintenance enforcement has been reviewed in recent years; and if so, the findings of that review. [37578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the impact of unpaid maintenance on children's welfare and access to education has been assessed at a national level. [37579/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra748. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if data is collected on the frequency of breaches of maintenance orders and the average duration of arrears. [37580/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 749, 743, 745, 746, 747 and 748 together.
It is important to note that the management of the courts and the conduct of court proceeding is a matter entirely for the Judiciary and the Courts Service. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
The Review of the Enforcement of Child Maintenance Orders, completed by officials in my Department, was published on 8 January 2024. The Review put forward 26 recommendations focused on generating maximum compliance with child maintenance orders, to ensure security and stability for children and to aid poverty prevention. The key recommendations of the review include:
• Development of a set of child maintenance guidelines.
• Running an awareness campaign highlighting the importance of paying child maintenance and promoting a ‘culture of paying’
• Strengthening attachment of earnings orders and exploring the possibility of attaching an order to a PPS number rather than employing entities, so that orders do not lapse when there is a change in employer.
• Introduction of a single enforcement procedure when the receiving parent makes an enforcement application, allowing the judge to choose the most appropriate enforcement option based on the circumstances of the case.
• Simplification of the bench warrant process.
• Placing the onus on paying parents to pay costs associated with enforcement proceedings.
• Introduction of an information sharing agreement between Revenue, the Department of Social Protection and the Courts Service .
• Allowing for deductions from social welfare, the paying parent’s bank accounts, from government grants and subsidies and allowing for the recovery of arrears from tax refunds.
An interdepartmental group (“The Child Maintenance Guidelines Committee”) was established in February 2024 to develop the child maintenance guidelines for use by all parties, on a voluntary basis, when putting child maintenance arrangements in place. The Committee was Chaired by my Department and its membership included representatives from the Department of Social Protection, Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Legal Aid Board, Courts Service and Tusla.
Development of the guidelines was informed by a comprehensive comparative review covering England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands. It was also critically important to listen to the views of parents who have been involved in making child maintenance arrangements. For this reason, in April 2025, the Committee conducted a survey-based consultation to get the public's views on important aspects of the guidelines.
On 19 January this year, I published Ireland’s first set of Child Maintenance Guidelines, along with the report on the public consultation. The published guidelines and accompanying report can be accessed at the following link: [https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/child-maintenance-guidelines-for-ireland/].
The Guidelines are compatible with Irish legislation on child maintenance and can be used by the courts. However, the courts are not obliged to consider the guidelines when making child maintenance orders. The objectives of the Guidelines include:
To establish fair, consistent and predictable amounts of maintenance for children whose parents are not together.
To increase transparency, consistency and predictability for those seeking and paying child maintenance.
To reduce conflict and tension between parents by making the calculation of child maintenance more objective.
To reduce the number of child maintenance applications made to the courts by giving parents guidance in setting the levels of child maintenance and by encouraging private maintenance agreements.
To ensure consistent treatment of parents and children who are in similar circumstances.
To promote a culture of payment of child maintenance.
Once the Guidelines were finalised an accompanying online calculator was developed to make the guidelines and launched on 26 February 2026. It is available at [https://childmaintenancecalculator.ie/]. The guidelines and accompanying calculator are a first for Ireland and significant step forward to improving fairness, consistency and transparency when parents are making child maintenance arrangements. The child maintenance calculator is intended as a voluntary support tool to help parents begin the process of working out an appropriate amount of child maintenance for their child or children. In line with another recommendation in the Review, my Department also undertook a social media campaign in October 2025, to reinforce the importance of paying child maintenance and complying with Child Maintenance orders.
The Programme for Government commits to enhancing the enforcement mechanisms for child maintenance orders to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. In line with this commitment, consideration of legislative amendments required to give effect to the Review’s recommendations is underway.
Data on the frequency of breaches of maintenance orders and the average duration of arrears is not readily available.
