Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

It is important we are given the statistics regarding the number of foreign adoptions vis-À-vis Irish adoptions. It is obvious from the statistics given that the number of adoptions has grown considerably since 1995. However, very few Irish babies have been adopted into Irish families since 1995 because, thankfully, mothers in difficult situations are now able to keep their babies. The increase in the number of adoptions must refer to foreign adoptions. That must be the case because we know, anecdotally, that there is not a great number of Irish babies available for adoption.

Perhaps the amendment seeks too much and in that regard could be looked at again. However, I would have expected a recognition from the Minister of the large number of foreign adoptions taking place. I have used the word "large" although that cannot be confirmed today. Perhaps before we meet again the Minister will confirm how many foreign adoptions have taken place. I agree with many of the points made by Senator McDowell.

In listening to this discussion some of the things said — I include the Minister in that regard — have set me back 20 years. I was not a Member of this House then and obviously do not remember what was said when issues such as maternity leave and other entitlements given to women to encourage them back into the workforce were being discussed. I accept such entitlements are given at a cost. We also have to accept that somebody has to bear the brunt when dealing with families and children. In trying to strike a balance between the cost of such entitlements to parents and employers, we must also recognise that this is something we have to do. I will look again at this issue before Report Stage and hope also the Minister will reconsider it to see if a compromise can be reached.

We spoke earlier of the two weeks pre-placement provision. Perhaps such time could be used to allow parents take unpaid leave to do the necessary work for completion of the adoption.

The Minister is not giving due recognition to foreign adoptions.