Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given that the heads of the Bill have been published, there is a lot of meat to be put on the bones prior to having a meaningful debate on this matter. As Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs I am concerned about such issues as intercountry adoption and education. Those areas are of great interest not just to the committee but to the general public. There are concerns over the time the Government has set out for the passing of this legislation. The intention is to get it through the House in two weeks. I accept the necessity to plan in advance but I am concerned over the likelihood of full co-operation by all Members of the House in order to expedite the passage of the Bill. The Bill then has to go through the Seanad, which is an entirely different matter. It would be worthwhile to arrange for a debate on this matter on or about the 22 February or at least to have statements involving the Minister and other Ministers on the progress of this matter.

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