Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I do not agree with all the amendments in the group. Amendment No. 9 relates to the conditions for adoption, many of which are included in the Bill at a later stage. We support the suggestion but the right of the father to be consulted is dealt with later in the Bill. Perhaps Senator Prendergast or Senator Norris will clarify amendment No. 15 as it appears to limit the rights of fathers to be consulted. Why would consulting the father be detrimental to the interests of the child? I am interested in hearing the Minister's response to that amendment. We support amendment No. 16. Amendment No. 26 relates to the father's rights if his name is on the birth certificate. It is a reasonable proposal. Amendment No. 31, proposed by Fine Gael, deals with the situation where the father is unavailable because of a criminal offence.