Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to legislate for the rights of children whose parents are in a civil partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6847/12]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when the legislative shortcomings of the Civil Partnership Act, which although a vitally important step in introducing equality and recognising the diverse composition of family units here, will be remedied to vindicate and realise the rights of non-biological parents and the children of families with same gender parents. [6910/12]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the lack of legal protection for the children of same-sex couples; and if he intends to legislate on this matter. [6938/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 397 and 411 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to amend the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 to address any anomalies or omissions, including those relating to children. In this regard, the Law Reform Commission has made detailed recommendations in its Report on the Legal Aspects of Family Relationships. In particular, the Commission recommends that legislative provisions be introduced to facilitate the extension of guardianship (parental responsibility) to civil partners and step-parents either by agreement with the other parties who have parental responsibility for the child or by application to court. The Commission's recommendations are under consideration in my Department with a view to preparing legislative proposals.