Man is directed to pay maintenance for his teenage child in Kildare court

A man was directed to pay maintenance for his teenage child at Naas District Court.

The man and his ex-partner attended a hearing there and each was legally represented.

Solicitor Violet Behan said she was seeking €150 per week, adding that no maintenance was being paid and it is likely that the man has a share in the business where he works - though this was disputed by solicitor Chloe Donegan, representing the man.

Ms Behan added that the child will undertake the Leaving Certificate soon.

Ms Behan also said a suggestion of €40 “is an insult" to the child and is what would be expected of someone on social welfare. Ms Behan claimed the man’s bank balance never falls below €1,000. 

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Ms Donegan said the man earns €600 per week and has two other children. Ms Donegan said he could not pay more than half of the expenses incurred by the child.

Ms Donegan also said he has a mortgage to pay and “doesn’t have any money left at the end of the month.”

Ms Donegan opposed the request for €150 per week because he couldn’t afford it and  this would mean he would end up in custody.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made an order for the pan to pay €75 per week in addition to 50% of vouched expenses covering education, medical, dental and optical needs.