Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is very little one can say after the tremendous speeches Members have heard from everybody here. I endorse everything said by Senator Colm Burke and it is great that he is welcoming this Bill on behalf of the Government side. This non-partisan approach to policy has so much to commend it. I wish to praise Senators Power, van Turnhout and Healy Eames for acting on behalf of the 50,000 adoptees and their families on the right to identify. I welcome the visitors in the Gallery from the Adoption Rights Alliance and, in particular, Dr. Fergus Ryan, who I knew as a most kindly man when he was in Trinity College for looking after his elderly neighbours in the Rubrics. This is a man who comes with strong credentials to this topic, which he has proven through drafting this legislation. While many speakers wish to make a contribution, other than wholehearted support from these benches I do not wish to delay the House. I am delighted the Minister is present and note that the last time Members discussed children's rights with him, it was the much smaller right of children not to be smoked at by adults in the same car. While this issue is much more serious, the Minister proved his credentials then in defending children in that small way and I am sure that on this much larger issue, Members will hear much of the same positive approach he took then. I thank the Acting Chairman, welcome the Minister and reiterate my praise of all the Senators who have spoken. This is a good day for this House and for the adopted people who have asked Members to do this. I thank everyone who sent e-mails to Members, to each of which I try to reply individually. I note the happiness already generated by Members' support in those people who sent the e-mails to them. They are really pleased and it is a good day for this House that we have sided with them. Gabhaim buíochas leo go léir.