Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I refer to Senator McDowell's comments. He acknowledged that I did not intend to be critical of adoptive parents and their present practices. Not alone did I not intend to be critical, but I did not say that. Senator Terry was present in the House and I am not sure if Senator McDowell was present when in the debate on Second Stage I fully recognised the role played by adoptive parents in society. I acknowledge the points made by the Opposition that more adoptions will be of children from overseas. The amendment proposes time off work for anyone who informs his employer he is travelling abroad to familiarise himself with adoption procedures abroad or for adoption interviews or assessments. This will be wide open to abuse and I have no doubt it would be abused. It would be very bad law and it would be very easy for this House to impose that provision on employers. Nobody could deny it is an impractical issue which could not be controlled. This House should not make such laws.

There is an issue of equity between adoptive and natural parents. The proposal in the Government amendment is one which can at least be controlled. The time off allowed can be validated and verified by employers. Many parents of adopted children have travelled abroad at a cost to themselves. Any State grant should be given subsequent to rather than prior to the adoption. Many social welfare regulations are abused by certain sections. We should not pass laws which we regard as being wide open to the possibility of abuse. I oppose this amendment and I see no merit in it.