Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her contribution. She will appreciate that her suggestion cannot be contained in this Bill, which deals with the register only. I understand what she is saying. I do not think there is a Deputy in the House who has not dealt with a case in his or her constituency involving a man who is not getting an opportunity to participate in the rearing of his own son or daughter. That full participation is often blocked by legislation. There is quite a campaign in this regard. I would have great sympathy for it. A children and family relationships Bill, the general scheme of which was published last month, is currently being drafted by the Department of Justice and Equality. I think the ideas expressed in the Deputy's comments would fit very well into that legislation. I am not sure whether that Bill will come before this committee. On a personal basis, I will be very interested in the progress of that Bill through the Oireachtas. I am sure every Deputy who is present has encountered on many occasions the scenario outlined by Deputy Tuffy. It is not just the father who is affected - there is also an impact on the grandparents and the wider family. I hope the forthcoming children and family relationships Bill can capture this in some way. When one is drafting legislation, it is very difficult to use it as a blunt instrument where families are concerned. I hope the Bill in question will make a good effort to deal with some of the points raised by Deputy Tuffy.