Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Yes. People come to the decision they will adopt a child. Many then find difficulties in getting to that point. I do not wish to undermine in any way the adoption authority and the rules and regulations regarding the necessity to ensure the couple will provide a loving and caring home, are stable and medically fit, have financial support and can provide a Garda clearance certificate. Nobody doubts all these different stages must be gone through but it should not take four to six years to complete the process. It is a very long time. Some people might be in their early 40s by the time they eventually get clearance. Anybody who has had young children will know one needs to be in the flush of one's youth to be able to deal with their energies.

I appeal to the Minister of State. Such stories can be dreadful and heart-rending. It can take so long to have an assessment across the various HSE areas. The time span can change. I met a couple who had the unfortunate experience of having the social worker who had been dealing with them take maternity leave, leaving their file stalled. When the clock is ticking that is heartbreaking. People feel the services of the State are not there for them in a speedy and efficient manner when they need them. I ask the Minister of State to look at that situation and when this Bill is passed to have this urgency taken into account. Efficiency and professionalism need to be protected but there is real urgency for these people.

Adoption from Vietnam has hit the headlines. Every Member has received correspondence from people who are caught because the bilateral agreement with Vietnam has fallen. That it was to fall in May this year had loomed for some time. People find it frustrating that nothing was done to ensure a new agreement was initiated. Originally the Minister of State indicated it was his intention to support a new bilateral agreement. I do not know where he stands on that now. Will he wait for Vietnam to adopt the Hague Convention? That might be another two years.

Before I pass over to my colleague, I wish to reiterate the fact that the time trap in which people are finding themselves is important, but I do not want to set aside any standard, as standards are important. Everything should be child-centred and placing him or her in a warm, safe, secure and loving environment in which his or her personal, education and financial needs are met is important. On the other side of the equation is a couple or individual who is anxious to provide that environment but for whom the clock is ticking. This urgency must be in the balance.

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