Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Section 9 refers to the failure to agree a surname and the subsequent registration of a surname. It is welcome that this section is in the Bill but, having read the Bill and discussed it with some groups, I feel time limits might apply to registering a child's surname. I am raising this point now in case I table an amendment on Report Stage. A child could be registered with one name at a football club and at a school with another. This could lead to confusion, particularly for the child involved, in terms of names and identity. Could the State consider a protocol on double-barrel surnames, as other states have? Where both parents' surnames are taken will the maternal or paternal name come first? I raise this today so the State might consider it - as a keen genealogist I would welcome such a measure. When tracing family lines it is very helpful when there are clear rules on such matters. I am raising this on Committee Stage in case I table an amendment on Report Stage.