Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to a very sad situation last week when the State had to decide to switch off the life support machine of a child. In view of the tragic death of the mother the child had no legal guardian. Unmarried fathers in this State have no automatic right to guardianship. It is time that situation was rectified. I was made aware some time ago that the Government was considering legislation in this regard. The current situation is bad for children and bad for families. I ask the Leader to inquire from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, if and when it is proposed to introduce such legislation.