Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

However, somebody has made that decision, which is unfortunate. The case has been well made regarding dual language certificates and I appreciate the difficulties highlighted on Committee Stage, particularly in regard to standardised spellings. My father used to sign his name as Gaeilge as Baoghill, which was the traditional and correct spelling, but that has been shortened and customised to Baoil. Many people find themselves in a similar position when registering their details as Gaeilge.

Amendment No. 31 relates to systems of registration that would properly reflect the increased diversity of our population. It must be taken into account in the various forms of registration that people from different cultural backgrounds may not have traditional naming patterns. They might not use the Christian name, surname approach used in Ireland. For example, the family might use the middle name as the forename. Work needs to be done to draft legislation that will reflect this and I wish the Minister's officials well in trying to square all those circles. However, it is important that these differences should be reflected in future.

I support the amendments and I hope the Minister will see fit to support them as well.

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