Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

It is critical that the referendum on children's rights is held this year, with the introduction of the accompanying legislation on adoption. The issue has been the subject of interparliamentary discussion for a number of years. There was an agreed report from the all-party Oireachtas committee, following which a draft wording was published by the last Government before the general election. I have been concerned, since taking on this role and the Minister took up her position, that the date for the referendum is being pushed back. Pledges made during the election that it would take place within the first year at the same time as the Presidential election slipped. We should have seen the adoption legislation before now. It is important that the heads or, preferably, the Bill itself be published and brought before the children's committee before the summer. It is important that it be published in advance of the referendum Bill and we be given appropriate time to assess it in the Houses of the Oireachtas. That will enhance the chances of success in the referendum which I hope will take place before the end of the year. Will the Minister give a commitment that the adoption legislation will be published before the end of the summer? There has been plenty of time for it to be drafted. Why have we not seen it before now and will the Minister commit to publishing it before the summer?

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