Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas roimh an Aire agus an foireann. I welcome the Minister. She was recently in Knocknaheeny, boxing with some of the local people in Cork's north side. Would she speak with the Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, about the centre of excellence for boxing on Cork's north side? The children she was talking to would be very grateful. Regarding the Minister's statement, it is very welcome that we will take Committee Stage of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 on 2 November and that we will also have a draft of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill soon. Deputies Anne Rabbitte and Jan O'Sullivan and other Deputies and Senators raised it previously. Is it possible that the legislative provisions in the adoption (information and tracing) Bill might be considered as Government amendments or amendments generally to the Adoption (Amendment) Bill when it comes before us on Committee Stage? They could be dealt with more quickly and comprehensively as a single piece of legislation at that juncture.

By the end of 2017, there is to be a reduction from 20% to 15% in unallocated cases, if the targets are met, but that still leaves 2,700 unallocated cases. Is it ambitious enough? Some 999 of the unallocated cases in June were high priority. Do we have a sense of the proportion of the remaining cases that will be high priority? I previously raised the issue that the Adoption (Amendment) Bill, when enacted, is likely to result in an increased demand for the services of the Adoption Authority, with foster parents seeking to regularise situations. Does the Department intend to increase funding for the Adoption Authority and to what extent?