Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this legislation which amends the Adoptive Leave Act 1995. This legislation came about following the recommendations of the working group established for the purpose of amending that Bill. The Adoptive Leave Act 1995 provided additional weeks' leave to adoptive parents at the time. Child care, adoption and children in general have been priorities for this Government in recent years. The needs of adoptive parents are being recognised in this legislation.

The main purpose of maternity leave was not solely to provide the mother with time to recover from childbirth; it was also to allow the mother and child time together to bond, to get to know one another and to allow them to enjoy this period without concern about paid work outside the home. An adoptive mother also needs time to bond and get to know and to love her new child. It therefore makes sense that adoptive parents have the same rights to leave so that they can become accustomed to being parents. It is also essential for a child to get used to his or her new home and establish the security that is so important for the development of every child.

Many parents and parents-to-be will welcome this Bill. It is important that parents are supported as they go through the adoption process and this must be reflected in legislation. We should not differentiate between natural and adoptive parents. Parents who were not in a position to have their own children have gained a great sense of fulfilment from being able to adopt children. It almost seems outrageous that anyone would suggest that adoptive parents should not be entitled to the exact same rights as natural parents. They are, after all, embarking on the same undertaking to nurture and love a new addition to their family, blood related or not.

Many parents who eventually adopt probably go through an emotionally difficult time. Some partners who are unable to bear children may decide to adopt. Others may decide to adopt from an early stage. By and large, people who adopt do so after a number of years of marriage and undergo an emotional upheaval in making a decision of this nature.

Adoption is deserving of support and recognition and the Bill provides these. I welcome the fact that prospective adoptive parents will be entitled to time to attend pre-adoption meetings and classes. It is essential that parents are prepared for the process and for their future role as adoptive parents. A child's interests are first and foremost in the adoption process and it is essential that future parents are well prepared to care for them.

It is to be welcomed that single mothers are keeping their babies. Inter-country adoptions now make up the bulk of adoptions which take place in this country. We must move with the times and do everything in our power to assist adoptive parents in their quest to adopt a child overseas. We have all seen the sad images of unwanted children abroad. It is a travesty that while these children are alone with nobody to hold them or show then any sign of affection, wonderful loving people in Ireland are desperate to adopt a child. It is essential that we do everything possible to assist these people in adopting a child who would otherwise have a loveless childhood and possibly a sad young life. Adoption Board statistics for 2002 show that of the 602 adoptions authorised that year, 336 were foreign adoptions, 99 were Irish non-family adoptions and the remaining 167 were adoptions within families. Classes are being provided to familiarise people with the culture of the country where the adopted child was born, and this legislation will assist future parents in attending these classes.

I also welcome the vital employment protections provided in the Bill. Adoptive leave will be considered as a period of service and that is an important provision. An essential element of the Bill is that it will prevent termination of employment.

The birth of a child requires considerable advance preparation and adjustment and this is also the case when a child is being adopted. The adoption process is a long and often worrisome experience for parents but happily, in most cases, the process is well worth the wait. Many parents finally fulfil their dream of having a child to love and cherish. The adoption process is meticulous and demands the full commitment of adoptive parents. Those wishing to adopt must be given every support throughout this period.

More than 50% of adoptions in 2002 were foreign adoptions. I am acquainted with many parents, as are many Members of the House, who are in the process of undertaking a foreign adoption. It is not an easy process. I understand why the adoption process must be rigorous but there may be excessive red tape on some occasions. The interests of the adoptive child must be foremost but recognition should be given to the needs and requirements of the adoptive parents, especially in the case of foreign adoptions. Sympathetic interviews carried out by all concerned, such as social workers, are a great help to the adoptive parents. I know of parents who speak highly of the support they received from social workers at that vulnerable time.

However, I have also been approached by potential adoptive parents who did not find their contacts with the adoption services to be as good or caring as they should have been. This is especially the case in a small percentage of foreign adoptions. It may be that there is nothing we can do in this House, but I ask the Minister to keep this area under review.

The Adoptive Leave Bill will enhance the existing legislative provisions for employed adopting parents and will offer them greater employment protection and more flexibility in managing their work and family responsibilities during this important period. I commend the Bill to the House.

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