Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

We have had a good discussion on this issue on Committee Stage and in this House. I agree with the Minister of State on the right of the child to know and have access to his or her father. That is absolutely critical. Some countries have mandatory obligations in this regard. It is an issue which should be examined in context.

The reason behind these technical amendments is the punitive language used in respect of a mother. Perhaps the Minister of State will consider the addition of the term "does not" when this matter comes before the Dáil. That might be a way of dealing with this which covers both eventualities. There may well be circumstances where the mother would not be able to state the identity of the father, including that she does not know it.

I note a later section also deals to some degree with this issue.