Protesters tried to hand Christmas presents to the Minister for Justice today to highlight the number of fathers prevented from seeing their children over the holidays.
A group of men gathered outside Michael McDowell's office in Dublin with wrapped gifts and teddy bears, urging Mr McDowell to change the law, which they claim discriminates against fathers.
Some of the fathers had been unable to give their children the presents because of custody battles, they said.
The Unmarried Fathers of Ireland want to see changes in the law and the family courts to give men greater rights to access.
"We want to give our presents and we want to give our love," the group's spokesman, Ray Kelly, said.
Mr Kelly said many unmarried and separated fathers were unable to see their children over Christmas because the courts and legislation prevented them getting custody or visitation rights.
He said they wanted to see the Irish constitution and European law enacted in the area of father's rights.
"We also want judges trained in the area of family law, specifically trained so they understand the difficulties, problems and emotions," he said.
The protesters gathered on the steps of the Department of Justice holding placards which read "When is a father not a father - When he's Irish", and "Help put the father back into Father Christmas".
Mr McDowell was out of the country and the men were unable to hand the presents over.
Mr Kelly said an official in the department had said they would try to set up a meeting for the men with the Minister.
PA