Irish woman challenges minister's refusal to grant passports for her non-biological children

Woman was in a same-sex partnership with biological mother, an Australian citizen who gave birth to their children, and intends to return to Ireland with them, court heard

The Department of Foreign Affairs refused woman's children’s passport application on the basis that it did not recognise her as their mother or parent, court told. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

An Irish woman who is a full legal parent of her non-biological children under Australian law is asking the High Court for an order quashing the State’s alleged refusal to grant them Irish passports.

The woman was in a same-sex partnership with the biological mother, an Australian citizen, who gave birth to their children. The Irish woman is listed as a “parent” on the children’s birth certificates. She said she intended to return to Ireland to settle here with them.