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

I thank Senator Warfield. I do of course share those concerns. I am also aware of the fact that section 22 of the Adoption Act 2010 provides that Tusla, at its discretion, may contribute towards the expenses incurred by any person in connection with an application for the adoption of a child. We have that already in law. In light of that, protections are in place.

Certainly, I would be willing to continue to look at this, even in the context of the work of Tusla. For example, it would be helpful to know when this happens and in what circumstances. It would be helpful to do some analysis that could put us in a position that is different to where we are now. I am unsure of the experience of Tusla in doing that. I am happy to do that.