Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Bill allows an exception for a child older than seven years to be adopted. The view and practice has been that a child under that age would not understand the concept of adoption and all flowing from it. A child may be adopted before the age of seven. Section 24 requires the authority to give consideration to both age and understanding to a child aged seven years or more, and age and maturity are used in international conventions. The use of the word "understanding" is consistent with section 24 of the Child Care Act 1991, which provides that in any proceedings relating to the care and protection of a child, a consideration having regard to age and understanding should be given to the wishes of the child. The Adoption Board has given its view on this and argues that the word "understanding" in section 24 should be retained.

With regard to those under seven, adoption is a profound concept. This is one of the youngest age groups in which to statutorily allow the child's voice to be heard, and it is an appropriate age to ensure this happens in certain cases.

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