David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Curiously enough, on this day when we are having a very welcome apology from the Government, I must raise a situation which is as yet unresolved. I ask the Leader to ask the appropriate Minister why the sections of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 have not yet been enacted after three years. These are provisions which will allow same-sex parents to adopt what are essentially their own children. Without this, if the non-birth parent is bereaved, the child has no parental relationship at all and no consent can be given for hospitals. It is a very practical measure. I have received quite a large amount of correspondence. Without striking a discordant note, I ask the Leader to raise this as a matter of urgency with the Minister.