Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their very good presentations. I will not repeat what Deputy McLellan and Senator van Turnhout have said.

Ms Gilmartin mentioned there is an existing register and she is worried that it will not be transferred into the new register. I would like to hear why she thinks that is the case and how members can ensure it is transferred because it is very rich information and it should be in the new register.

I agree with everything that was said by my colleagues and the witnesses about charges and fees. There must be a balance between the mother and the adopted person. It is difficult and no matter what we do, people will still be hurt. I am not sure I agree with Mr. Redmond’s suggestion about 30 to 60 days. It is a little short. I would be interested to hear whether the other witnesses agree with a lead-in of 30 to 60 days or whether they think it should be more. That would help us to understand what we should do. I would imagine that more time should be allowed but I am open to being convinced.