Senator Susan O'Keefe:

I welcome the Minister and, like others, I say well done on finding a partial solution for what has proved a difficult dilemma for the Minister, her officials, the parents and the potential adoptive children. It is good that the families will have a Christmas gift of some certainty. Like Senator Barrett, I ask if the Minister is satisfied that a year will be sufficient time. I know that she cannot extend the deadline ad infinitum. I am interested to know what she feels will happen. What impact will the legislation have on the relationship between Ireland and Russia? As the Minister discussed, there have been many communications and contacts between the Minister, the Tánaiste and many others in her office in an effort to resolve the matter. Can she resolve the matter? What have the Russians said about the legislation?

The Minister referred briefly to how applicants from other countries have been affected by the legislation. Where do they stand today? What will happen to them in the future?

Like others, I welcome the short and tightly drafted legislation. As others have said, the protection of children is paramount. The legislation is the Minister's compassionate and firm response and an attempt to find a resolution in a timely fashion.