asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce (i) amending legislation to abolish the status of illegitimacy and (ii) further reforms in areas of law where discrimination against illegitimate persons still exists.
Written Answers. - Illegitimacy Status Abolition.
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The question of illegitimacy was discussed in this House——and also in Seanad Éireann——in the course of the debate on the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution (Adoption) Bill, 1978. In my introductory speech on the Second Stage of the Bill (Official Report of 7 February 1979, Volume 311, No. 4, in particular columns 582 to 585 and 587) I referred to the matter in some detail and expressed the view that a full analysis of all the factors might very well lead to an acceptance——meaning an acceptance by the community as a whole——that there should be certain changes in the law that would accord greater rights to illegitimate children than is now the case.
As the House is aware, this is one of the matters being considered by the Law Reform Commission and I remain of the opinion, which was reflected in what I said in the speech I have mentioned, that it would be desirable that the Government and Parliament should have the benefit of a report from the commission before contemplating any changes in this important area. I am strengthened in this view by my experience in speaking to persons and groups with a special interest in these matters who may begin by advocating in principle the abolition of all distinctions between legitimacy and illegitimacy but who nevertheless, in discussion, make it clear that they would regard as quite unacceptable certain consequences that would inevitably follow from the application of such a principle.