Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our guests for being late. Unfortunately, I have another commitment and must leave shortly. In respect of international adoption, like many of my colleagues, I have received numerous items of correspondence and representations relating to families who wish to adopt internationally. Following the Adoption Act 2010, people can only adopt from countries that have signed the Hague Convention. There is a growing call for more bilateral agreements with other countries - Russia and India, to name two. I would like to hear the opinions of our guests regarding this issue. As Deputy Ó Caoláin said, the best interests of the child must be the paramount consideration in all cases. One wonders whether a child would be better off moving to a foreign country where they would have a loving home as opposed to possibly spending the majority of their childhood in some sort of institution. We must weigh up both scenarios.

Listening to RTE radio the other evening, I heard a report from the High Court about four cases in front of Mr. Justice Henry Abbott involving fathers. In each case, the father of the child was unknown and the parties wished to proceed with an adoption. Until now, one had to make sure fathers had signed away their right. Perhaps that is not the right word but I think the witnesses know what I am saying. The challenge to the children's rights referendum has delayed matters. The previous Minister for Children and Youth Affairs had given a commitment that she was going to update the adoption legislation. The challenge to the referendum has delayed the updating of the adoption register.

I would like to hear the view of the witnesses on what needs to be changed in the legislation.

Having met Ms Lohan previously, I am aware that the Adoption Rights Alliance has been to the fore in advocating for the information and tracing Bill, which will give people the fundamental right to their identity. It is regrettable that this Government and, it must be acknowledged, its predecessors have dragged their heels on this legislation. The harrowing stories that emerged in recent weeks regarding the mother and baby homes have highlighted the critical need for the legislation. The previous Minister for Justice and Equality identified constitutional issues which prevent the introduction of the Bill. I would welcome the view of the witnesses in that regard. I apologise that I must also cover the Dáil today. That is the problem with being a Member from a small party. There are only a few of us to go round.