New children's bill will recognise all families, Minister says

New laws will recognise the diversity of Irish families, according to the Justice Minister.

Cabinet today signed off on the Children and Family Relationships bill, which governs adoption, guardianship and parental rights.

According to the last Census, one third of Irish children were born outside of the traditional family.

Now, the Children and Family Relationships Bill is seeking to change the law on parenting, guardianship and adoption.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the bill recognises the reality of diverse families.

"If you're a man living with the parent of a child, and you're involved with that child's life over several years, a long period, it's saying to that person: you can access guardianship."

The bill extends adoption rights to civil partners and cohabiting couples who've been living together for three years.

It also legislates for assisted reproduction - and will prevent anonymous donation.

Lobby group Mothers and Fathers Matter says the bill destroys the Constitutional preference of mothers and fathers and weakens the family.

Its chairman is Ray Kinsella, who said "there is no more basic right" than that of a child to their natural parents.

The bill will be published in full on Thursday.

Fianna Fáil said the legislation should not be rushed through the Dáil and Seanad and it will be putting forward some amendments around fathers' rights.

However, Justice spokesperson Niall Collins made clear his party will be voting for the legislation in the Dáil and Seanad.

"Fianna Fáíl will be supporting this legislation, we agree with principles of it. It's ensuring that all children will be treated equally in the eyes of the law."