Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As in the case of our having to apologise for what happened in the past in mother and baby homes, future generations of our people will be apologising to people who are now detained in direct provision. It is within our realm as a society to change this. It does not require rocket science to change it. Barriers can be put up and excuses can be made but where there is a will there is a way. There are 18 months left in the lifetime of this Government. As I have said previously to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, and prior to that to the former Minister at that Department, Deputy Shatter, let us do the right thing and make this happen. It is always right to do the right thing.

Another area of the Bill about which I have some concern is the opt-out in terms of registration. Many fathers do not want to be registered because they do not want to own up to their responsibilities. I believe it is appropriate that this registration be mandatory. In regard to the provision of an opt-out in terms of registration of the name of the father, the mother is allowed to give as a reason for doing so that she does not know where the father is or that she does not know the identity of the father. A third reason is that in doing so the child's safety could be compromised. It is sometimes necessary for a third party to determine whether in fact it is a correct proposition to suggest that a child's safety would be compromised if the name of the father was registered. Perhaps, there could be some firming up of this provision. It may be that I am misreading the provision so I would welcome some clarification on the matter and on whether if it requires firming up the issue will be addressed by way of amendment on Committee or Report Stages.

I acknowledge that there is broad welcome for this important legislation. I do not consider it to be tidying up legislation. I believe it is appropriate, important and necessary. While many people, in particular from outside this House, are not aware of it, very often, there is unanimous agreement in this House on issues, in particular when what is proposed is the right thing to do. I look forward to this legislation progressing through the House and wish the Tánaiste well in her endeavours in that regard.