New Legislation to Make Inclusion of Father's Name on Birth Cert Obligatory

Minister Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection has informed the Dail (May 2012) that compulsory joint registration of the birth of a child where the parents are not married to each other will be introduced.

The Minister indicated that the changes in legislation to take place later in the year with recommendations by the Law Reform Commission will ensure that birth certificates carry the Father's name

It is hoped that the move will make it easier for the state to pursue parents who avoid providing for their child.