Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

We will go into the particulars of matters raised on this amendment when we come to deal with others. Amendment No. 10 seeks to substitute the words "The father of a child" with "A person". Acceptance of the amendment would not substantiate or support the Senator's intention. One would first have to determine what constitutes "a person". The Senator is seeking that "A person who is not married to the mother at the date of his or her entry....". One cannot use the words "a person" in that regard. I am advised by the Attorney General that the section as currently drafted complies with best practice. The inclusion of the words "A person" would not achieve the Senator's intention. The overarching issues could, perhaps, be addressed in the next amendment.