John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response and intervention. The application was made in good faith by the couple, who at all times intended to satisfy fully all the requirements. This included the mother moving to Vietnam with her eldest child to live and work there for a year. However, unknown to the couple, when they were in Vietnam the requirements were altered in the Adoption Act 2010. A new requirement was that both parents needed to be in the country. One was already in the country at the time the legislation was changed. The couple have done all in their power to comply. On the legal question, the only avenue for appeal open to the family, according to Minister, is a High Court application. The family is very sincere and has spent an enormous amount of money living in Vietnam over a period of two years. It really does not have the finances to appeal to the High Court. I appeal to the Minister on behalf of this sincere family who did not intend to work outside the legislation but who were caught by a legislative change when in Vietnam. The Minister might intervene on the family's behalf.

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