Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Law Reform Commission issued a discussion document in September 2009 on legal aspects of family relationships which included the issue of registration of a father's particulars. It has invited submissions from interested parties and will issue recommendations in a further report which is not expected to issue before autumn of this year.

The provisions contained in the amendment are premature, as any recommendation by the Law Reform Commission in regard to compulsory registration of the father's details on a birth certificate will be of considerable significance. In the circumstances, it is considered best to await the outcome of the deliberations of the commission before considering legislation on the matter.

The two Deputies made a very reasonable point but because we are so advanced in a process and because this is up for consultation it would be preemptive for me to move on this issue at this time. I look forward with great interest to getting the report. The arguments put forward have validity and when I receive the report the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, of which both Deputies are members, will discuss this matter further. It has already done so. I shall look at this issue at that time.

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