David Norris (Independent)

I am happy to support this amendment, which provides that any reference made to issues of principle on the practicality of adoption shall be taken to include the provision of information, advice and counselling to a birth parent wishing to consider placing a child for adoption, because adoption is a serious step. I presume the amendment only covers the Irish State and has no extraterritorial pretension, even in respect of the other side of the Border. Vietnam does not figure in this amendment as far as I am concerned but we will have a further opportunity to raise the concerns of parents when we deal with the section.

The number of children made available for adoption in this State is quite small. Perhaps the Minister of State can provide the figures in this regard. Adoption has changed from the traditional context whereby women who became pregnant outside marriage were subject to social pressures. In some instances, they were forced to give up their children for adoption. This no longer happens, thank God. Even so, it is a traumatic decision and birth parents who make the decision for whatever reason should be supported by the State through, at the very least, the provision of information so that they can make an informed decision and have professional advice and counselling at what may be a difficult time.