John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to those of other speakers on the legislation. In particular, I thank the Minister, staff in her office and officials in her Department for introducing it. Until recently I understood 19 families were affected, but now I believe the number is 23.

Adoption is an emotive and emotional subject. I remember the time when I first spoke on it ten or 12 years ago in the other House when I had come into contact with the stories of families seeking to adopt. It brought home to me the issues involved. I commend the Minister and her officials, in particular, because the legislation was not easy to draft owing to the possibility of unforeseen knock-on effects in other areas. It was difficult drafting work and I commend the officials in the Department who have brought about a resolution for the 23 families involved who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in a difficult position.

Now they will have the time to complete their adoptions extended by 12 months. As Deputy Conway said earlier, it is a humane solution to a difficult situation for those families affected. I thank the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and her officials for the speedy nature in which they drafted the legislation and provided a solution for those families caught up in this terrible situation.

See this speech in context