Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Amendment No. 50 refers to section 81, which states: "The Authority may enter into an arrangement with a non-contracting state that is not a party to a bilateral agreement if...the prospective adopters are relatives of the child". The amendment would continue this with "or have previously adopted a child from a non-contracting state". I support the amendment on the grounds it would be similar to a grandfather clause. If I have adopted a child from Russia, for example, with which there is no bilateral agreement at the moment, and I find out that a sibling of the same family is available for adoption, it is essential that my family be allowed to adopt the other child for the sake of both the new child and the existing child in the family. It is good practice. There is much research to show that this is useful in helping both children gain an understanding of their own identities and a sense of belonging. It is also positive in terms of building their self-image and self-esteem, and good for their overall health and well-being.

This is also the case if the child available for adoption is not a sibling of the existing child but is of the same nationality. I mentioned earlier that it was a very important aspect of the development of the adopted person that he or she find someone in his or her own likeness. There is evidence that many adopted people, because they do not find people in their own likeness, look forward to having their own children because they are the only people similar to themselves. Where we can complete families and work in favour of the existing child and the child to be adopted, we should do so. I strongly support this amendment. I ask the Minister to comment on this.