Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise two matters concerning legislation. First, when does the Government intend to bring the Seanad-introduced Adoption Bill into the House for a Second Reading? This Bill was introduced to the Seanad in January 2009 by the Leader of the House to consolidate the legislation. No bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam can be entered into until this legislation goes through. I understand a high level deputation led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam will visit Ireland this week. Is it the intention of the Minister of State with responsibility for children to meet that deputation and to discuss this issue?

Second, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is listed as being to consolidate and update existing legislation in the areas of animal health and welfare. Why has the purpose of the Bill changed? In any previous listing of the Bill, its purpose was listed as including: "to consolidate the responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within the Department". It now seems that this aspect has been dropped from the purpose of this legislation. It is important that it is put through. The Bill is still listed in section C of the legislative programme, with no date proposed. I urge the Government to bring it forward as soon as possible.

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