Single fathers set for equal rights

SINGLE fathers will be given the same rights as mothers in the care of their children under a radical review of State guardianship policies ordered by Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan.

The minister has asked officials in his department to conduct an in-depth review of current State policies and laws on access rights and he is also in discussions with the Justice Minister Michael McDowell about the urgent need to have the 40-year-old Guardianship of Infants Act reviewed.

The minister told the Irish Examiner he strongly believes the legislation needs to be reviewed so that it keeps pace with and reflects the considerable changes in Irish society that have occurred in the intervening four decades.