Law change urged to grant fathers access to children
Some estranged fathers may consider suicide this Christmas as they will not be able to see their children, a new campaign group warned yesterday, calling for changes in the law to allow better supports for “decent dads”.
Families, Friends and Fathers lead counsellor Sam Butt said last Christmas Day he was inundated with calls from other counsellors around the country, referring cases involving depressed fathers.
In its charter published yesterday, Families, Fathers and Friends called for:
* Fathers to have the right to automatic guardianship of their child from birth. nThe registration of fathers’ names on their child’s birth certificate.
* Pre-nuptial agreements to be recognised in law.
* A relaxation of the in camera rule to allow greater transparency in family court proceedings.
* Dedicated family law courts and the implementation of the Law Reform Commission’s Consultation paper on Family Law.
The group also said false accusations — including perjury — needed to be dealt with firmly in court, with those making the allegations held accountable.
Last Christmas he said he spent hours dealing with calls from around the country, as many fathers became depressed as they were unable to see their children.
“We have separated dads, decent guys, who will not make it past Christmas,” he said, adding that people needed to seek help to ensure they got over the challenges at this time of year.
Solicitor Ann Heneghan said another area of law which needed to be reviewed was that where grandparents had to apply twice — through applying to court for leave to apply to court — to see their grandchildren in some cases.
Minister for Equality Mary White said she found the slow passage of legislation through the Oireachtas “depressing” but stressed her commitment to change in the law and added that she hoped a date would soon be announced for a referendum on children’s rights.
* www.fathers.ie
