Vol. 454 No. 1
89 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Health the consideration, if any, that is being given to having the names of fathers of children born to single women put on the birth certificate by law in view of the fact that genetic testing can prove paternity beyond doubt. [10323/95]
Limerick East): The Deputy will be aware that the Status of Children Act, 1987, (No. 26 of 1987) was enacted to equalise the rights of children and amend the law relating to their status. That Act extended the provisions relating to the registration and reregistration of children born to parents who are not married to each other. Section 49 of the Act of 1987 introduced a number of procedures facilitating the entry of paternity details in the register of births including procedures which do not require the co-operation of both parents in the registration process. Subject to the provisions of the Act being met paternity details can be entered on the application of either parent.
In addition a person, other than an adopted person, may apply to the Circuit Court for a declaration of parentage under section 35 of the 1987 Act. The Act also provides that An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar-General of Births, Death and Marriages, is to be notified of any declaration made so that the births register can, if necessary, be amended.
