Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I am anxious to hear from the Minister of State with regard to any deliberations or reflection in which he has engaged since this matter was debated on Committee Stage. The amendments raise a number of important points, particularly in the context of the voice of the child, the importance of consent and the fact that all decisions should be taken following careful consideration and should be in the best interests of the child. I hope the House will not divide in respect of these important amendments. If he is not in a position to accept them, perhaps the Minister of State will indicate how he proposes to deal with the concerns that exist. The concerns to which I refer are both genuine and significant and I hope it will be possible for them to be met before our deliberations on the legislation are completed.

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