Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I have two concerns in relation to these amendments. I am inclined to agree with Senator Bacik in regard to the rigidity of section 16 in particular. What is the situation if the father cannot be found or if there is not certainty — this does relate to only this amendment — in terms of who is the father? The Minister of State might address those questions.

Currently as I understand it, the natural father has rights and must be consulted. As far as I am aware, that is how adoption works. In a case where a father is consulted and wishes not to be named on the birth certificate, what are the rights of the child as opposed to the rights of the father or mother? I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response on those two issues.