David Norris (Independent)

I was making the point that services relating to the provision of information, advice and counselling to a birth parent wishing to consider placing a child for adoption already exist in many instances. The principal intention behind the amendment is not to institute these services but rather to obtain recognition in respect of them in legislation. In view of the fact that the services to which I refer already exist, it is somewhat odd that reference is not made to them in the legislation. The Bill would be strengthened if it referred to them. Some later sections contain completely extraneous material, particularly that which refers to the Hague Convention. The legislation, therefore, refers to a number of matters that are irrelevant. However, the matter to which I refer, which is germane, is not mentioned.