Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 34, subsection (1)(b), line 21, to delete "12 months" and substitute "24 months".

Senator Fitzgerald advises me that the amendment arises from suggestions by the IAA. The argument is made that the waiting times for referrals increase partly in line with increased regulation and the growth of compliance with The Hague Convention. We should be mindful that issues can arise and can significantly delay applications in the process of conducting an adoption. I am advised that cases can take up to and beyond three years. A simple amendment to extend the renewal of a declaration to 24 months would provide for a total of four years in which to complete an adoption. I am also advised that it is of course possible as the Act provides for the authority to review cases and to retract declarations.

In a sense I am almost contradicting what I was saying earlier about the need to make progress and make haste to the greatest degree. The amendment relates to a number of cases where that bit of extra time could be required. I am advised by the Senator that the amendment was suggested following discussions with the IAA.