Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I appreciate what the Minister is saying but not everybody shares the view she articulated that registration of a child is a fundamental duty. Unfortunately, some may not even consider a wide range of fundamental issues although they may be as serious as the Minister stated.

Good customer service would involve a recognition that people may not be in a position to be present at registration. I accept that being present at the registration is a very important duty of any parent but there are cases in which it might be impossible, or almost impossible. In recognition of good customer service and the many ways in which information can now be relayed, and given the prompt service and resources available, the Minister should consider this matter in the context of customer service in her Department, to which she referred, and perhaps in other contexts in the future.