Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 10, between lines 29 and 30, to insert the following:

“(8) In circumstances where practicable and possible and where the parties agree, provision for an open adoption should be considered.”.

This amendment deals with an open adoption model. In many parts of the world we are seeing a shift towards open adoption and it is something that has been recommended by many of the organisations that work with children and children's rights. Open adoption can be seen in the recent case in France. We are seeing examples of both semi-open and open models, neither of which operates in Ireland. This Bill may represent a missed opportunity in that we are putting something new in place, something that is to be in tune with the Child and Family Relationships Act and the constitutional change as a result of the referendum on children's rights.

At this point I will probably withdraw the amendment but reserve the right to reintroduce it on Report Stage. However, I would appreciate it if the Minister would clarify what discussions have taken place on the question of open adoption. What are the major objections to it? In Ireland we have a very poor history vis-à-vismother and baby homes, of which we are all aware, whereby many birth mothers disappeared from the picture. What is the reason for not moving towards open adoption when so many of those who are experts on children's rights and welfare recognise that it has huge benefits? Why are we not seizing this opportunity, when we have not just one but two Bills relating to adoption moving through the Oireachtas, to ensure that we are introducing best practice in this area by including open adoption as an option? I ask the Minister to give her views on the matter.