James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The information the Deputy has given me is something that we will further investigate. I would be astonished in this day and age that any woman would have to give up a baby simply because she has no accommodation. There are several agencies in the country which will provide accommodation. Let us go backward in time. We have discussed what happened in the past, when women had to give up their children because of societal, parental or institutional pressure. We are discussing it now because of a homeless situation.

I met a lady yesterday - obviously, I will not mention her name. She told me a harrowing story of how she went to court to claim her baby but was asked by the judge whether she had any place to provide for the baby. That dates back several decades but the point is that is not a tolerable situation. If Deputy O'Sullivan has a list of names of individuals who find themselves in this situation then I would be happy to accept it and find out what arrangements are being put in place. It may not necessarily be my Department's remit, but I will certainly make representations to the appropriate Departments to have this resolved.

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