BYCRONANSCANLON

A RESEARCH study has found that some of Donegal's 800 lone fathers reported feelings of prejudice in society, discrimination by the legal system and poor relationships with their ex partners.

These were just some of the findings of a dissertation by Mr Paul Anderson of support group Forever Fathers who support divorced, separated and unmarried fathers in Donegal.

Mr Anderson's dissertation was passed by Magee University where he successfully completed a M.Sc Course Professional Development In The Community.

As part of the course he carried out an investigation of the needs of non resident fathers (NRFs) who are living separately from their children in the county.

Fathers who took part in the dissertation also reported that very little is known about NRFs as there is a lack of research to identify their needs.

The report recommends that there is a requirement by society to identify and address NRF psycho-social need and to quantify the number of fathers affected.

Other recommendations include: The Children's right to have both parents involved in their life is included into Irish legislation and implemented into family law.

This and other International children's rights articles that Ireland have signed up to in International law should also be implemented.

A review of legal issues relating to NRFs such as parental rights, in camera rule, access arrangements etc. should be established.

The report also found that housing needs of NRFs must be recognised and that mediation and counselling services should be further developed for parent couples who have experienced relationship breakdown.