Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

With all due respect to the Minister, it is easy to say, "She absolutely is." What is that based on? That is my point. That has been adjudicated on in recent times in the Supreme Court judgment when the court was asked about the registration of the birth. That was the only basis on which a legal right was regarded as existing. That is not the case in respect of the legal parentage of that child.

On what is the Minister's assumption, which is inherent in this legislation, based? I cannot see where there is constitutional provision or law set down by the courts in this regard. Before we have our next session, it is important that we see the legal advice from the Attorney General.