Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accepted Senator Alice Mary Higgins's amendment No. 7 in the Seanad. Like the Senator, I support the principle of open adoption and acknowledge its benefits. The amendment requires the initiation of a review and consultation process in respect of the potential introduction of open or semi-open adoption. Open adoption generally means a form of adoption in which the biological or adoptive families have access to varying degrees of each other's personal information and an option for contact. However, we will need to reach a better understanding of what we mean by these terms.

My Department's overriding approach to any change in adoption policy is that primary focus must be given to the child's best interests. This relates to all decisions about a child's future. Any consideration of open adoption must have a child-centred approach, that is, not what is desirable for either set of parents but what is in the best interest of the child. It must take account of the voice of the child in that process.

The review will also require a full examination of a number of issues related to its retrospective application, having regard to the legal basis of existing adoptions and the constitutional and legal rights of those involved; possible implications of inter-country adoption; the operation of arrangements with other countries; and circumstances where it may not be in the best interests of the child to be subject to an open adoption.

I have given a commitment to embark on a full review of adoption policy and legislation next year and this will include examining the concept of open adoption. An initial scoping exercise has already taken place. As the outcomes of this review will be influenced by a wide range of issues, undertaking this work within the timescale will be very challenging. Notwithstanding these concerns, I acknowledge the importance of this work. I extend my thanks to Senator Alice Mary Higgins for this helpful and constructive amendment which is a further step in modernising our adoption practices.

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