Child maintenance could soon be automatically deducted from parents' pay.
It comes after a review of the child maintenance system made 26 recommendations aimed at improving enforcement.
The report recommends a new system that would see payments deducted from parents' bank accounts as well as from Government grants and subsidies.
Meanwhile, arrears could be recovered from tax refunds.
One such plan would involve the introduction of an information sharing agreement between Revenue, the Department of Social Protection and the Courts Service.
"Maintenance payments could be collected and transferred by Revenue," the report said.
"A similar service is provided by Revenue in collecting Local Property Tax.
"Either option will require engagement with the Department of Social Protection, the Courts Service, Revenue and others, which the Department of Justice will progress."
Notes and coins are seen beside a tax form in May 2018. Image: Mirco Cordes / Alamy Stock PhotoThe review was carried out to examine how the current system can be improved.
Many submissions recommend that the State or Revenue should be given the power to deduct maintenance at source.
The report said this approach would help solve issues with attachment of earnings orders and reduce the potential for parental conflict.
"It was further recommended that automatic deductions from social welfare payments be permitted," the report added.
It could also see a simplification of the bench warrant process, and place an onus on paying parents to pay costs associated with enforcement proceedings.
Family law solicitor Keith Walsh has sahs he thinks the changes would be hugely helpful.
"Essentially I think what the group and report is saying is let's take some of the hassle from the people seeking the maintenance," he said.
"Child maintenance, particularly for single mothers, keeps people out of poverty.
"It's incredibly important and it's a huge part of the system.
"So, anything the Government can do must be welcomed and I think these are practical steps," he added.
'Immediate implementation'
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she believes more needs to be done.
"Non-payment of child maintenance is a common problem and the current enforcement options available are limited in scope and impact," she said.
"This is clearly unacceptable, given the critical source of income which it can represent.
"These recommendations are designed to deliver maximum compliance with child maintenance orders, and that is why I intend to commence the implementation process immediately.
"That will involve establishing an interdepartmental group to develop a set of child maintenance guidelines and I will do that without delay," she added.
Minister McEntee said she will seek Government approval "at a later point" for other recommendations which will require legislative change.
