Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt any of the issues raised by Deputies Joan Collins and Ó Snodaigh. There are a number of issues involved that require some clarification. I would be happy to engage by way of written correspondence with the Deputies as soon as it is practicable after this debate. As they have acknowledged, there are a number of Departments involved. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has overall responsibility for issuing passports. It is very much aware of recent legislative changes. My Department and the Department of Health are also involved. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social protection may well have an impact in this area also in terms of civil registrations. I assure the Deputies in any event that there are discussions between ministerial colleagues and civil society groups and families in regard to rights that follow from the commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 as an effort to address some of the outstanding issues that may well incorporate the issue raised. I ask the Deputies to allow me to go back to my Department and to consult colleagues in the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Health and Employment Affairs and Social Protection with the view to seeking an early resolution in respect of the matter raised.

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