Custody case could boost rights of fathers

A CASE taken by an unmarried father and due for hearing in the High Court soon could have huge political and legal ramifications for the rights of unmarried fathers in this country.

Legal experts have said the case which was referred back to the Irish courts by an English judge, could resolve the dichotomy existing between the rights of the child under international law and the lack of rights for unmarried fathers under Irish law.

The case, in which unmarried father is seeking the return of his children to Ireland so he can apply for custody, could strengthen the rights of the family outside marriage, if the High Court recognises that domestic law is in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights which was adopted into Irish law in 2003.