Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 21, before section 20, to insert the following new section:

20.—Parents may opt to have the birth details of their child recorded in the Irish language and may opt to have a birth certificate issued in the Irish language.".

This would be a simple request, that parents should have the option to have details of their child registered in the Irish language. They may opt for an Irish language version of a birth certificate. It is a matter which should be close to the Minister's heart. Tá blas aici mar gheall ar an Ghaeilge.

We spent hours debating an all-party motion in this House, recently asking that Irish be one of the official languages within the EU. This amendment is a simple request for parents to be able to register their child in the Irish language and get a birth certificate accordingly. It is self-explanatory. I am hopeful it can be acceded to. I do not see why it cannot be, given the consensus within the House on the need for Irish to be an official language within the EU. If we are doing that and this cannot be allowed, then it is hypocritical.