Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will pass that idea on to the Minister for Health and Children. On the Attorney General's advice, a new provision has been added to the adoption Bill and ongoing discussions are taking place in that respect. As a result, the Bill's publication has been delayed, but we hope to publish it during the summer.

There are many complex legal issues involved in the child care Bill. While it is at an advanced stage of drafting, it will not be ready for publication before tomorrow. It is hoped that the problems can be overcome during the summer. That is what has been stated to me and we must wait and see.

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