Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I brought this up on Second Stage and I find it quite confusing as regards how the whole system works with regard to the permission of parents and guardians, the consent of the father if his name is on the birth certificate, etc. While I accept that it is outside the remit of this Bill, nevertheless, the fact that it has come up for discussion here indicates that the public needs to have clarification in this area, because it is confusing. If I tried to explain to somebody in my office as regards consent — given that the fabric of society has changed so much — I should not feel comfortable in giving answers at present. Even though I understand where the Bill is coming from — and that raises another matter for debate, in regard to family law — I believe the Minister of State's officials should make it clearly known to the public how this legislation will be implemented when enacted. I brought it up on Second Stage and I am still unhappy at the way it is presented. Technically I understand from where it is coming but in terms of implementation the public will still be somewhat confused.