Paternity tests - 1 in 3 not father

One of the country’s leading paternity test providers has revealed that of the men it has tested over the last 18 months, one in three were not the biological parent.


According to Ormond Quay Paternity Services (OQPS), up to 35% of all paternity tests carried out by the company over the last 18 months have returned a negative result.

The Dublin company has reported a huge growth in the use of paternity services in Ireland, as an increasing number of fathers request scientific proof of parentage.

“On average, we conduct six paternity tests each week and we receive an average five requests for information every day through our website or by telephone and this is increasing steadily”, explained Brian O’Dwyer of OQPS.
He said that people were taking the tests in some cases ‘to provide peace of mind’ and in other cases, as part of a court process.
The company suggested that there is a possible link between the culture of binge drinking and paternal discrepancy. This can stem from infidelity or a change of partner, which can lead to cases of genuine mistaken identity. Almost nine in 10 tests carried out by OQPS involves people with different surnames, indicating that they are not married.

The company also pointed out that the number of court-appointed tests carried out by it has almost doubled, compared to the same time last year.

Paternity testing is simple and involves taking cells with an oral swab from the mother, father and child and testing them to see if they match. Children can be tested from birth. According to OQPS, results can be provided within 36 hours.