Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Fine Gael supports this amendment. The cost benefit is one aspect of it which is important because it would make things easier for the Department. However, I support this principally from the perspective of the rights of the child to know both its parents. There are also genuine concerns which have been brought to my attention at different stages concerning the risk of children being in relationships with others who may be related to them and the corresponding need to know both parents' identities. Unfortunately, this is a genuine concern at present. This measure would go some way towards alleviating that concern. The principal reason I support the amendment is the right of the child to know both parents. I stated this on Committee Stage and reiterate it.

The amendment mentions application "without prejudice" and it is important that this safeguard be there but I cannot think of a reason such a child should not be able to know the identity of its father.

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