Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 26, before section 25, to insert the following new section:

25.—(1) The State shall endeavour, insofar as is practicable, to ascertain and register the name of the birth father at the time of registration of a birth.

(2) Nothing in section 23 or 24 shall prejudice or restrict the right of a child to ascertain his or her birth father.".

This amendment represents an attempt by Fine Gael to include a new section to encompass the aspirations of every Member of both Houses of the Oireachtas. It seeks to ensure that nothing the State ever did would stop a father registering his name on a birth certificate. I am sure the Minister will tell me a father already has this right. This new section would be useful particularly in the context of sections 22 and 23. Inclusion of the new section as an overarching protection would be seen by many men as a validation of a man's right to include his name on a birth certificate. The provision is copperfastened in subsection (2) which states that nothing in sections 23 or 24 shall prejudice or restrict the right of a child to ascertain his or her birth father. The Minister will probably tell me the right already exists.