Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I dtosach cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu chun an Bille Uchtála a phlé. Is Bille an-tábhachtach é seo.

Adoption was a strong feature of life three or four decades ago in this country when single girls who were pregnant allowed their children go for adoption and when children were orphaned. Many who have grown up as children of adoptive parents testify to their valuable role and input in shaping them in their adolescent and formative years. We could not underestimate the contribution of such parents. Many couples, for medical reasons and otherwise, are unable to conceive. Many children from Romania and other areas have received an opportunity they would not have had but for the strong Christian ethos of those who wanted children, brought them into their homes and raised them. That should be commended and it is important that the Bill regulate the process.

I have listened to some arguments and know that some Senators come from a different agenda although they might introduce their comments by saying that the emphasis should be on the well-being of the child. Without a doubt that is the case. Children should not be used as a tool for promoting agendas under the pretext of equality or in any other way.

I am not sure that adoption should be extended to those in a civil partnership. We have read many studies that show that the stability of the family is best served by those who are married and have entered into a lifetime commitment. There are dysfunctional families with that status, the well-being of whose children becomes an issue as we have seen in a recent example. In general, however, that family framework is more stable. That is not to say that there are no children in other family structures who are not enjoying the same protection and the same level of love and commitment. However, there are sufficient statistical data to show that where people have failed to enter into that lifestyle commitment, there is a higher propensity for relationships to break down than when they are married. That has its own impact on the children.

It is probably desirable that the children should be adopted by people of the same religion, especially in the interest of the child. There is still quite a strong adherence to religion here. Whether that is to the dominant faith in the country or some other faith, children reared in that environment generally tend to have a value system which stands them in good stead as they grow up and go through life.

There is an issue with children being adopted by single people. Some argue that there are anomalies in this and it must be recognised that they exist. If the emphasis is on the well-being of the child, we should not reduce him or her to some sort of appendage in society. Where good, stable parents can be identified for adoption, that is a preferable developmental framework for the rearing of children to that offered by single people. I say that as someone who was reared for most of my childhood by a single parent. I am acutely conscious of what this provides in the life of a child. Others who have been in my position would acknowledge the same situation. I am inclined to the view that where single people adopt, there should be some relationship with the child. If we place the emphasis on the well-being of the child, then we should recognise the ideal arrangement for the child. Being reared in a loving home with a mother and father provides the best opportunity for the development and well-being of the child, and provides the best opportunity for the child to grow into a good, responsible citizen for the future.

The Minister of State has taken a reasoned approach to this. We need to be cautious in how we progress this issue, because it is contentious. The Bill before the House underpins much of what I support.