Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 20, line 22, after "registrar" to insert "if required to do so".

The purpose of this amendment is to make the Bill more user friendly. The Bill retains a Victorian precept in that it is a requirement that both persons registering a birth must attend a registrar's office in person. The Minister spoke about customer service at some length. The Minister has enthusiastically taken the opportunity presented by the Bill to modernise the legislation, and this section presents another opportunity to do so.

The amendment proposes inserting the words "if required to do so". It would relieve the exacting requirement in this regard. There are many work and family demands on people and it may not always be suitable for both people to make an appearance in a registrar's office. I am not sure that requirement is as essential now as it may have been at one stage. I appeal to the Minister to positively consider this amendment.