Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I made points earlier on making the leave which is the subject matter of the Bill optional, although I understand that they will not be accepted at this stage. Nevertheless, I welcome the Bill as it will bring some equality to parents adopting a child. The legislation probably should have been enacted long ago. To repeat my previous statement, it is a missed opportunity in that this leave is not optional for either the mother or father to avail of. This is taking into account that adoptive parents are in different circumstances than natural parents, particularly the natural mother, in terms of having to take maternity leave for health reasons. This is not the case with adoptive parents, and amending the legislation to allow a father to take the leave if necessary could be a matter for future consideration.

I am disappointed that the legislation does not allow adoptive parents time off prior to the placement of a child, to enable them to travel overseas, for instance, as we know many children come from foreign countries to Irish adoptive parents. This time that must be spent abroad should be recognised. Although the amendment was not accepted, I welcome the legislation and thank the officials who put much time and effort into it. I thank the Minister of State for bringing it forward and hope that it will be signed into law as quickly as possible.