Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their insightful, practical and pragmatic reflections, many of which were deeply rooted in a philosophical and ethical base. I know that all Senators were operating from that position, but it is helpful to put it into words. I found it inspiring listening to the way in which they offered their reflections and for that reason it is wonderful to be back in the Seanad. As we continue to move through the various Stages of the Bill, suggestions or amendments from Senators will help to make it better. Practical changes, for example, will certainly make implementation of the Bill, by way of regulations, better, for which I am very grateful.

I know that time is limited, but I wish to respond on a number of issues raised by Senators during the debate. In response to Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, I acknowledge that Fianna Fáil has welcomed the Bill, for which I thank her.I note the point she made on resources, with regard to extending the foster care grant. I cannot give a commitment in Seanad but I will certainly consider the points she raised, and those raised by Senator Warfield.

Everyone has acknowledged, and rightly so, the extraordinary contribution of Senator Boyhan this evening. It was a privilege to be the Minister to listen to it. As Senator McDowell stated, it was common sense and profound as well as pragmatic and practical with regard to identifying various ways in which we can offer care for the child through fostering, adoption and good State care. Out of this, perhaps the Bill will enable a better way of children having the opportunity to go down whatever path is appropriate and good for them.

Senator Noone acknowledged how important the Bill is and that it treats all children equally regardless of the marital status of their parents. This is critical, and why it is so important for me that the Bill has this aspect. She also drew on her experience as a practitioner and raised the question of resourcing the legislation, particularly the plans to implement it with regard to Tusla. This is something I very much had in mind in my negotiations with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, on the budget. I hope Tusla is able to set aside the appropriate resources required.

It was great to hear Senator Warfield reflect in another profound contribution that this is a progressive Bill contributing towards the ongoing dispelling of the myth of the nuclear family, which perhaps one could say is part of the overall, and is one way of interpreting the institution that Senator McDowell spoke about and which various bodies in society may still wish to promote.

Senator Bacik stated the Bill brings some of the aspects into the 21st century and I thank her for her compliments on various aspects of the Bill. She mentioned how long overdue it is and, as she always does, she welcomed significant aspects of the legislation. Her primary criticism is with regard to what is not here, which are some of the key elements of what ought to be in terms of information and tracing for people searching their right to identity and origins, as she eloquently laid out.

I agree with all of this. I was appointed in May and I published the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill in November. From the moment I started going to Cabinet, the Attorney General and I often spoke about it after which I went back to the Department. It is very much a personal priority for me. I can state now we have just had news that Second Stage of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill is scheduled for the Seanad on 7 March.