Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak briefly to amendments Nos. 293 and 294 because there is some good news. Amendments Nos. 293, 294 and 301 seek to allow a person who was the friend of a parent or the friend of a deceased relevant person to make an entry on the register, although the amendment would prohibit them from making an entry stating a no-contact preference. If I understand and accept the spirit of this amendment, it speaks to the importance of found family and the bonds people build outside of traditional family structures and it seeks to make it possible for information to pass on from the closest of friends. I cannot accept the text that has been put before us here, but I will ask my officials to consult with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and consider whether an amendment can be made. I cannot guarantee it, but I understand what is being attempted here, so we will look and see if something can be done.