Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

This has been a long road for the Adoption Bill given that the heads of the Bill were produced in 1998. There has been much consultation and many people have had an input. I thank all the prospective adoptive parents, the adopted persons, and people who gave up children for adoption for their input. The Bill is a testament to their efforts, interests and experiences. We have tried to capture the best standards possible in legislation. Work remains to be done, in particular in the area of tracing. We propose to do that as soon as we have completed the Bill. As Members are aware, the Bill was first published in the Seanad, which provided its unique perspective in ensuring the Bill had a good start in January 2009. That is an indication of how long it can take for a Bill to go from publication to enactment.

I thank my officials, in particular Dolores Moran and Moira Griffin who are present and Liz Canavan who did a significant amount of work on the Bill. I also thank the Adoption Board which was most helpful in ensuring that the Bill would become law as quickly as possible.

The issues raised by Senators are very sensitive and emotive and they require considerable sensitivity in the way they are dealt with. It is difficult to displace emotion and to deal with matters in strictly legal terms. It is important that one does not completely close one's eyes to the emotional part and that one allows it to inform the formation of policy. It is also important to strike the right balance.

As soon as the Bill is enacted and we move into the new regime, I aim to have all the parts in place. It would be wonderful if Vietnam was ready to open up again. There are many perfectly adoptable children and suitable prospective adoptive parents. Creating a match in a safe environment is what this is all about. However, inter-country adoption is of its nature imperfect and we cannot control the jurisdiction from which one adopts. However, we will make the greatest efforts possible. I referred earlier to the ISS report which outlined some of the shortcomings in Vietnam and in receiving countries such as Ireland which gave valuable advice. I mentioned that it made reference to currency fluctuations in regard to Helping Hands but I am now informed it was not in the ISS report. I want to clarify that so nobody will feel confusion or unfairly treated.

We must remember our objective is to ensure that the views of the very motivated, well-intentioned people who want us to find a legislative framework that operates in the best interest of children are reflected in the legislation. We have come as close to doing so as we can. I thank Senators and the Deputies in the other House for all their assistance.