Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is the first Bill he has charted through either House. I am not known for patronising Ministers when they come before the House, but he has shown a level of engagement on this topic which does him great credit. In many ways it recognises the importance of these Houses when we approach issues in a non-partisan way to try to improve our legislation in a way that serves the people well.

In this instance, we have been prompted by very sad and tragic circumstances. I compliment Mollie Enright's grandfather, David Walsh, who is in the Public Gallery with his daughter Hilary. They put an enormous effort into campaigning and meeting all politicians to present their case to try to address what they feel is an anomaly and injustice in the current legislation. As the Minister knows, they have taken High Court proceedings in order, as it says in their declaration, that the life and death of the said Mollie Enright can be registered in the same manner and to the same extent as births, deaths and stillbirths are currently recorded, registered and recognised, pursuant to civil registration. The Minister of State can see there is a compelling case. I was happy to withdraw my amendment because of the confidence I have in the Minister of State moving the matter forward and I hope we will achieve a result which will obviate the need for any High Court case.

It would be a travesty because, having spoken with the family, I am aware it has to dig deep in order to fund the case. We are here to represent citizens and I hope the Minister of State can find a way to deal with this issue. I look forward to the passage of the Bill through the Dáil where, I hope, he will get support for an appropriate amendment to achieve the objective we are trying to achieve here. I wish the Minister of State well in his Ministry in the next 12 to 18 months. I hope it will be for the longer of those two periods.