Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I reiterate my support for this amendment. There is no justification for perpetuating an injustice, which is exactly what presents in these sets of circumstances, where they apply. I cannot understand why we would miss the opportunity during the passage of this Bill to address what we must recognise. Deputy Shatter stated that a small number of people are affected. One would be surprised by the number of people affected. All too sadly we hear statistics in regard to young people losing a partner in a whole series of circumstances, including accidents, road traffic or otherwise, or for health related reasons. A particular case comes to mind.

I find it difficult to understand why we would perpetuate that anomaly, to put in those terms. Surely, this is the appropriate and right time to correct and extend that opportunity to the people so described in the amendment. I believe it will contribute to good outcomes, both for the caring adoptive parent in these circumstances and for the child for whom this relationship will be crucial throughout the rest of his or her childhood years and into the future. I strongly commend it to the Minister of State because I recognise these circumstances. I believe the amendment can only do good.

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