John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

All Senators are receiving e-mails from people on inter-country adoptions. I accept it is a very sensitive and difficult time for them. I wish each of them every success. I have spoken to the Minister of State and I know he is anxious to conclude bilateral arrangements with Russia and Vietnam quickly. However, the e-mails are misrepresenting the facts regarding this House. The fact is the Minister of State was not available to come in on the day the vote was taken. As the Minister of State was not available we were unavailable to accede to the request.