Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is just a bit of humour between me and Deputy McHugh. We get on well.

With regard to the Adoption Bill, I am aware of the situation to which he refers, as is the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews. The Minister of State has been in touch with various groups to discuss this matter. We will use our best endeavours but I do not wish to raise expectations or suggest that a serious problem does not arise. I am acutely aware that many people have invested much time and hope in the adoption process only to find their adoptions may be more difficult to finalise because of the legal situation. The Minister of State is acutely aware of this, as are other members of the Government and all of us in the House. We must try to assist as best we can and in a humane way, given the limitations of what can be done.

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