Fathers' group says more jailed for not paying maintenance

THE NUMBER of men being jailed for non-payment of maintenance has increased in recent months, a support organisation for unmarried and separated fathers has claimed.

Speaking at a Father’s Day eve march in Dublin, Ray Kelly, chief executive of the Unmarried and Separated Fathers of Ireland, said many separated men were living below the poverty line because of the downturn.

The march took participants from the Four Courts to the GPO via the family court at Dolphin House off Dame Street. It aimed to highlight the plight of fathers and grandparents of separated families who are fighting for access to their children and grandchildren.

Mr Kelly said the organisation had noticed an increase in the number of its members being jailed for non-payment of maintenance. “A lot of these men are living below the poverty line in substandard accommodation,” he said.

He said it had also come to the attention of the organisation that many fathers were having difficulty securing rent allowance or local authority housing.

“As a result of this, many fathers are unable to have overnight visits with their children due to overcrowding or lack of accommodation,” he said. “Many of our members are sleeping on family and friends’ floors or sofas and some are even sleeping rough.”

Mr Kelly called on the Government to “come to terms with today’s changing society” and ensure fathers and grandparents of separated families have access to their children and grandchildren.