Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join in the expressions of condolence so eloquently made by others across the House. I also join wholeheartedly in welcoming Senator Hackett to the Chamber and her family to the Public Gallery. I was happy and proud to be one of those who nominated the Senator to her role, and we look forward very much to working with her. Following discussion with members of the Civil Engagement group, she has decided that, even though she represents what is perhaps a different mandate as a member of the Green Party, she is also interested in the work we do in our civil society mandate. We look forward to working alongside her in many interesting debates and to any new perspectives she will bring to the general work we all do together in the House.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, will tomorrow lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a report based on work done in the Chamber, namely, an amendment of mine in respect of open and semi-open adoption in Ireland. It was an attempt to move past the closed and secretive system of adoption that has obtained for many decades, in many cases with devastating consequences for families and individuals. I am delighted that the amendment I tabled two years ago, requiring a review of the possibilities and potential for open adoption, has come to fruition and that tomorrow we will be given a copy of the report on open and semi-open adoption. Crucially, post-adoption supports and post-adoption contact plans will allow children to have the widest range of appropriate and helpful relationships as they shape their lives. I ask the Leader that when the report is laid before the House, we might have the opportunity to debate it as part of a move away from a climate of secrecy to a new, transparent and caring model for adoption.

A debate on the use of the money message mechanism is due to take place in the other House this week. It is relevant to us not in respect of our Standing Orders and operations but because many good Bills from many Senators have passed with full debate in the Chamber and are before the other House, awaiting a final hearing at a later stage. I hope we can find a resolution to the issue. Good ideas can come from anywhere and we need to ensure that any of them, whether they come from an Opposition or Government bench, will have the opportunity to reach its full development. It is part of what we all do as legislators. I urge the Leader to appeal to the Government to accommodate movement in respect of the money message mechanism, in order that there will be progress, as is the intention in the Constitution for the separate but complementary roles of the Houses.