Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

While I accept that both Deputies were referring to domestic adoptions, to argue that the Bill does not do anything, has failed abysmally and does not, in any way, move matters forward is to forget that the vast majority of adoptions are international adoptions. As we all know, the Bill updates Irish law and provides significant safeguards in an area that is notoriously difficult to navigate for prospective adoptive parents. I hope to achieve this objective in the next couple of days. It is wrong, therefore, to argue the Bill does not achieve anything.

I am not making up problems about step-parent adoptions or guardianship applications. The Law Reform Commission has identified this issue in its consultation paper and invited submissions about an identified list of issues that need to be addressed.

As regards tracing, I have given a commitment that the Government will legislate in this area. Many of those who have made representations to me accept that separate legislation as opposed to a piecemeal amendment is required. It has been my intention throughout to introduce separate legislation on tracing. As I stated, I have made a commitment in this regard and hope to realise it. If the Deputies wish to put their amendments, it is within their gift to do so.

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