Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

I support the amendments. My learned friend and colleague, Deputy Penrose, has outlined clearly the purpose of the amendments and the need to support them. The combined Opposition is in favour — the Fine Gael Party, the Green Party, Sinn Féin and the Labour Party.

The Law Society and other groups are concerned that the Bill as proposed will not deal with the ultimate need of the child to know the details of the parents. They are also concerned about the practicalities of the arrangement for the registration of non-marital children.

This issue arose on Committee Stage. The Minister should consider the strong case made, because the matter is unlikely to be dealt with by means of other amendments. The right of the child to know the father and mother, the details of its parentage, is fundamental.

The ball is now in the Minister's court, as there are only ten minutes left before a vote must be taken. She can make a name for herself with this Bill and go on record as the person who stood up for the right of a non-marital child to know its father and mother.

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