Dáil debates

Thursday, 1 July 2010

Civil Partnership Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages

 

7:00 pm

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Given the nature of this Bill and the prejudices that continue to exist in our society, there may be a higher risk of spurious claims about the mental health of the individuals concerned. Such claims could be aided and abetted by family doctors. I acknowledge this may be just a conspiracy theory.

Even in the case of marriage, having only one doctor provide a certificate supporting an objection is risky. A second opinion, even one from a doctor known to the first doctor, would be desirable.

In that context, has the Minister considered the ramifications of spurious objections being made? Are there plans to revisit this issue, including from the perspective of marriage? That a family doctor or a doctor who is friendly with a relative can sign off on a person's mental capacity or ability to give consent carries a certain risk both in the case of same sex and opposite sex civil unions and in the case of marriage. Are there plans to ring-fence this issue in future by introducing a requirement that two doctors sign such a certificate?

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