asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that students who were registered and baptised in the English form of their names, but who normally use only the Irish form, are compelled when registering in the National University of Ireland to use the English form of such names, as being the only legal form, while the Irish form is permitted to be inserted beneath in brackets; and if he will take steps to ensure that students will be empowered to register only in the Irish form of their names, if they so wish, by introducing legislation to make the Irish and English forms of names at least of equal legal standing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - U.C.D. Students—Registration under Irish Forms
The position in regard to the names of students entering the National University is as stated in the Deputy's question. The procedure indicated is regarded as necessary for the identification of the students, especially those who are entering the professions such as Law or Medicine.
It does not appear to be generally known that parents, whose children have been registered in English, can at any time have their children re-registered in Irish on payment of a small fee and with the written authority of the Registrar General.
This seems to afford the most convenient solution of the difficulty referred to by the Deputy. I shall, however, have the matter examined further with a view to seeing whether there is any case for legislation.