Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)

The authority must be capable of ensuring that the adoptive parents are of the appropriate level of maturity, but 21 does not add much to 18. We believe that people of 18 years of age are mature enough to marry, vote, drive and do just about everything else. It is the general age of majority, although 17 is the age of consent. I do not know why we are discriminating for adoption.

I can imagine situations in which the age limit of 21 years would be problematic. For example, if a young person with a serious illness wishes to adopt his or her partner's biological child, the limit could lead to some injustice. I will not labour the point, but will the Minister of State reconsider the amendment?

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