Vol. 550 No. 2
339 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if inclusion of the father's name on a child's birth certificate requires the consent of the father if he is unmarried; if such consent is required if fatherhood has been established scientifically through DNA testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8145/02]
The Births and Deaths Registration Acts, 1863 to 1996, include provisions for the entry of paternity details in the register of births in respect of children born to parents not married to each other. As the Deputy may be aware, the Status of Children Act, 1987 amended section 7 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Ireland), 1880 by the substitution of sections 7 and 7A. These sections set out the procedures allowing for the registration of paternity details in such cases and included a provision for the registration of the father's details in the register of births on the joint application for registration by the parents or on the application by one or other parents with cooperation of the other parent. DNA testings is not specifically required. In addition that Act also provided for the registration of paternity details on the sole application of either the father or the mother of the child on the production of a certified copy of a court order naming the father of the child.
Questions Nos. 340 and 341 answered with Question No. 244.
