Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The provisions in amendments Nos. 4 and 5 are contrary to the agreement that was reached by the social partners during the negotiations on Sustaining Progress. Therefore, as I have said, I cannot consider the amendments, unfortunately. Amendment No. 6 proposes to add a new element to the Bill by extending to three years the period of time available to the adopting parents of a child who is the subject of an adoption order. As this proposal has not been discussed by the social partners, it is impossible for me to accept it. I do not wish to be repetitive in stating again that while I understand the rationale for the Deputy's amendments, I simply cannot go beyond the agreement that was reached in Sustaining Progress. Therefore, I have to reject the amendments.

See this speech in context