Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Bacik. I would like the section to stand without amendment. It is important to consider the welfare of the child without any qualification. When a child is placed for adoption only the child's welfare must count and not whether the birth mother is placing requirements etc. The welfare of the child is a very wholesome concept. It embodies all the aspects, including the physical, emotional, social and spiritual ones. That would also include the nurturing of the child's talents into the future as they emerge. In my experience of the adoption and assessment process I feel very confident that the authority places the welfare of the child at the centre. It is best to leave this without any qualification as it is stated in the Bill. I will also be opposing the amendment.