asked the Minister for Justice if he has received a submission from Cherish on the issue of the abolition of the status of illegitimacy and, if so, the action he has taken on it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Status of Illegitimacy.
1.
I received a copy of what was described as a discussion document that was prepared by the organisation in question. That document was issued in January last and was, as far as I know, supplied to all Deputies and not only to me.
Since then, as the Deputy is aware, the question of illegitimacy has been discussed in this House and in Seanad Eireann in the course of the debate on the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution (Adoption) Bill, 1978. As regards my attitude, I would refer the Deputy to the Official Report of 7 February 1979, volume 311, columns 582 to 585 where, in the course of my introductory speech on the Second Stage of the Bill, I gave my views in some detail.
Not having the relevant reference to hand, would the Minister indicate if he proposes to introduce legislation on this matter at a near stage?
Certainly not at a near stage. I can communicate with the Deputy in a matter of a few days and give him an indication, but I have no immediate plans.
Would the Minister consider favourably the possibility of referring the matters in question to the Law Reform Commission?
The commission are already examining the subject and I am sure all submissions from all interested parties will be the subject of a thorough examination by them.
Can the Minister indicate when he expects a report from the commission?
I cannot say.
Is not reference of this vital matter to the Law Reform Commission just another form of the old Victorian commission inquiring and taking a very long time? Does the Minister not agree that the life sentence of public opprobrium and the associated disabilities imposed by our society on the child, the most innocent party in the adult relationship, should be put to rights at least in this year of the child? Those who are described as illegitimate children suffer considerable disabilities although they are entirely innocent.
As I said in reply to Deputy Bruton, this subject was well and truly discussed during the Second Reading of the Adoption Bill. The matter is with the Law Reform Commission and I should not like Deputy Browne to think it has been put there to keep it out of the way. I understand the commission are giving this matter very serious attention and I expect to hear from them soon.