Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I disagree with the Minister of State. I know many children under seven years who are well able to express their views and opinions, and who have a right in this fundamental adoption issue to have their voice heard. I do not know why the arbitrary age of seven has been identified in the legislation. Some children are more mature than others at that age but children tend to be well able to express themselves long before they reach that age.

We are at a very late stage in the Bill now for the Minister of State not to be of the mind to accept the amendment. We will not win a vote but this amendment would not cause much difficulty if accepted. Anybody would understand what we are trying to achieve and consider it appropriate. We cannot expect children to speak in sophisticated language but they can speak their mind. They have strong feelings. Certainly, any child in such a situation would have strong feelings on this matter. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider his decision not to accept the amendment.

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