Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This relates to the registration issue. We are living in extraordinary times. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and we have had a cybersecurity attack on top of that, which has damaged systems. All round, people need to adopt some degree of flexibility and practicality as well. That is the point I made. Many people will know those coming into them in surgeries, etc. A small bit of practicality will allow these issues to be dealt with. The more fundamental point, however, is that adequate resources should be provided to get this backlog cleared. That is the most effective way in respect of ensuring we have a modern, efficient and timely system of birth registration that meets the needs of families and mothers.

I fully get the points the Deputy is making in this regard. I am not sure that creating an alternative system to the existing one would be the best use of resources. We should concentrate on getting rid of the backlog and getting up to date in issuing these certificates. I congratulate the Deputy on becoming a grandfather again.

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