Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators. I am opposing the amendment. It is my view that section 14 already provides that the accredited body shall provide the mother with a written statement explaining the effect of an adoption and the consent necessary, and requires the mother to sign a document stating she understands the import of the written statement.

Furthermore, section 28 goes on to provide that the consent to the making of an adoption order is not valid unless the person whose consent is necessary has given the consent and understands the nature and effect of the consent to the adoption order.