Expert warns Ireland failing to protect fathers' rights

Ireland could be brought before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to protect the rights of unmarried fathers, a legal expert has warned.

The government adopted the European Convention of Human Rights in 2003, which guarantees equal rights to both parents.

However, family law expert Geoffrey Shannon claims that Irish law is not in line with the convention because the unmarried father is regarded as a legal stranger to the child, no matter how lengthy the relationship.

Mr Shannon said, “We need to bring our laws into line with our international obligations before we are, yet again, brought before the European court of human rights on this issue.”