Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is unfortunate because the situations I have outlined will happen. It will remove the father further in most instances. By way of example, if the mother remarries, enters a civil partnership or cohabits, the child will be seen as being cared for by two adults. The inference is that the father has nothing to do with the upbringing of the child. He is still separated and all of the matters we have brought to the attention of the Minister are still valid.