Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply, which is enlightened in sentiment but perhaps somewhat unclear in the context of intention and timing. I am delighted that there are no constitutional difficulties in respect of this matter. I did not anticipate any such difficulties. When I heard the words "complex" and "review", I become concerned that nothing is going to happen or that a matter will be placed on the long finger to such a degree that it will fall to a future generation or government to address it. In that context, I understand that problems arise in the context of addressing the overall issue of adoption.

I am not asking the Minister to immediately address all the anomalies thrown up by the 2010 Act. I am simply requesting that she give a commitment to the effect that action will be taken in order that it will no longer be necessary for natural parents to be obliged to adopt their own children. What I am seeking is nothing more complicated than that. I do not believe what I am suggesting would have any complex knock-on effects in respect of other matters. I am merely representing the person in the position I have outlined who finds it emotionally offensive and practically difficult to do that about which we are talking. Perhaps the Minister might provide a commitment to the effect that the particular item to which I refer and which is causing so much trouble could be addressed in isolation and prior to all other matters. What is so offensive is that a mother or a father should be obliged to go before the Adoption Board and ask to adopt her or his own child. The provision in this regard should be deleted from the adoption legislation.

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