Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I have listened to both sets of views expressed. I too have experience of adoption issues and the difficulties that can present. The picture painted by the Minister about some of the relationships, or the absence of a relationship of any merit, between proposed adoptive parents and their social workers is a valid one. Yes, it happens. However, I do not know that this translates to a need for adoption committees. I do not think it will be a panacea for that difficulty, nor has it been in the past. The idea that a committee is needed to solve relationship difficulties that may arise in the course of an assessment process is not correct. The issue should be dealt with in a much more direct way. When a difficulty presents, there must be an appeals process directly within the system, through which the couple concerned - the proposed adoptive parents - have an opportunity, not to seek comfort from others who would offer them sympathy or whatever it might be, but to resolve the relationship issues. A committee is not needed for this.

In the event that the Bill proceeds without these amendments, what is the current position? Will the Minister of State take note of what I have suggested about amendment No. 59, in Deputy Shatter's name, in terms of the make-up of these committees? Is it currently the case in the 11 committees to which the Minister refers, or is it expected to be the case in the future arising from this legislation, that people who have been through the adoptive process as adopted children have, in their adult lives, an opportunity to make a direct contribution? I am of the view that these people in particular have a valuable contribution to make.

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