Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

She will take her time and she deserves the support of all in the House. This is not a political issue, but is about children, parents and their rights.

The issues this House needs to address with regard to adoption are much broader than as presented in this Bill. Addressing the issues of adoption necessitated by neglect of parental responsibilities towards a child and adoption of a child of married parents fails to recognise the many other difficulties we must remedy. It is our job as legislators to find a remedy and solutions. We must examine the processes and procedures regarding international adoption. I agree with Deputy Carey that we must examine whether the processes and procedures for adoption adequately cater for modern family arrangements. These issues are important to children, parents and families. To address adoption without considering the issue in its widest possible context does these families a disservice.

I request that when preparing this legislation, the Minister fully considers all aspects of adoption and the impact that such legislation will have on the lives of the many families it will affect. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this issue tonight. I support the Minister, who has a full Cabinet seat for children's rights and youth affairs at the Cabinet table. She has given a commitment, last night and in the past, to dealing with the issue of children's rights. I know the Government will deliver on that. I hope Members continue to contribute constructively on this issue and to offer cross-party support and not divide the House. The Minister deserves our full support.

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