Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I move amendment No. 86:

In page 93, lines 16 and 17, to delete all words from and including "ensuring" in line 16 down to and including "bodies" in line 17 and substitute the following:

"promoting the carrying out of the activities specified in sections 4 and 5 by accredited bodies".

The International Adoption Association has a view on this. Under current provisions, any support organisation may be required to become an accredited body, subject to oversight by the Adoption Board. The association does not condone any practice that would be ill-informed or that would involve a lack of oversight. We should recognise that it provides invaluable support and education for the adoptive community. It feels it could be constrained by having to seek and maintain registration. It is not clear why this incorporation would be required or the extent to which it would be required. The association feels that any such requirement for registration in respect of non-direct arrangements for adoption could act to undermine democratic advocacy on behalf of the community.