Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no legislative basis to change one's name by deed poll, so we cannot stop an offender from changing his or her name. As the Deputy alluded to, it is clear that if a person were to change his or her name after the enactment of this legislation, he or she would have three days to notify. There are strict monitoring requirements, so if a person were to change his or her name and not engage and not notify that this had happened, he or she would face prosecution and be liable for fine of €10,000 or a prison term from 12 months up to five years. There are significant fines and penalties in this regard. Based on our conversations at the committee, we have engaged with gardaí to be clear that they are happy with what we are proposing and that there is nothing further that we can do. They are clear that they do not believe any further legislative requirements or changes are needed here, because they have to notify quickly due to the requirements they already have. I am happy to look at this further.

I will not accept the amendment because it would create a clear commitment that a report would be before the Houses in six months. However, I am happy to follow this up further to see if anything can be done, whether through the courts or otherwise, to provide further monitoring. I spoke to gardaí. I appreciate that they are one part of this. They said they do not need further legislation related to this. I am happy to explore this further to see if any other measures or involvement from other State bodies could support this.

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