Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 18, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following:

"(j) providing post placement support, advice and counselling to birth and adoptive parents;".

This amendment is similar to amendment No. 6. However, it deals with the issues that arise post-placement. It suggests that the Bill should also contain, at its core, the concept of providing post-placement support, advice and counselling to birth and adoptive parents. This is a recognition that certain issues can arise following placement. In the context of the Russian bilateral agreement, for example, concerns have been raised with regard to post-placement reports not being sent. Perhaps the Minister of State will state whether reports in respect of this matter are accurate. If they are accurate, will he indicate why that was the case and how such a development has inhibited our relationship with the Russian authorities. Perhaps he will also indicate why the required post-placement reports - I presume these were to be supplied by the HSE - were not provided.

Amendment No. 7 is designed to strengthen the concept of the State having a responsibility to provide post-placement support, advice and counselling to birth and adoptive parents. As stated, it also recognises that post-placement issues can arise. Like amendment No. 6, it highlights a matter that is not dealt with in the Bill. The position would be strengthened if provision was made in respect of the matter to which I refer. Such provision would also ensure that support, advice, counselling or whatever is required to ensure that a placement is successful is provided following such a placement.

I take on board what the Minister of State said with regard to his discussions with the Vietnamese authorities in respect of the interests of the child being at the core. Such interests and those of parents would be placed at the core if the type of provision contained in the amendment were built into the legislation.