Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My amendment No. 83 reads:

In page 85, between lines 36 and 37, to insert the following:"(f) by inserting after subsection (7) the following subsection:

"(8) In making an order the Authority must act in the best interest of the child (having a mother and a father) and will give preference, in the first instance to married male-female couples, subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of section 34.".".

The section 34 referred to in the amendment is in the principal Act lays out very clear criteria which must be applied to anyone seeking to adopt. It is not a situation where one is starting to compare a married couple who may be a little dysfunctional against others who may be very good potential parents. What it provides is that, all things being equal, preference should be given to married couples.I compliment all those people who adopt children. They give them a home, education, values and an opportunity in life. Adopting is admirable and the epitome of good Christianity in practice. Many fine people have been given a blessing, joy and happiness through adopting a child. Obviously, it gives the children love, care and opportunities in education and life that they would not otherwise have. I value adoption greatly. There are many children worldwide who need that.