Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will continue to keep the Senator updated on the issue. However, I reassure her that the number of birth registrations that do not contain a father's name is still very low. It is our view as a Government that, where possible, all children should have the right to know the details of both their parents.In that context, I remind the Senator that a new section will allow for circumstances whereby the mother can provide a statutory declaration to the registrar if she is unable to provide the name of the father. This provides a welcome safeguard to the mother and provides a mechanism whereby the registrar, or a superintendent registrar, has oversight of the implementation of this provision.

The commencement of section 6 will also complete the commencement of all the sections of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 as regards the registration and reregistration of births. Together with the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024, its commencement and operationalisation will provide for a modern and efficient civil registration service. I give a guarantee that I will keep an eye on this and I know that the Senator will be watching it as well.