Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Children and Youth Affairs, Anne Rabbitte TD, says the Children’s Committee should meet to discuss convening a stakeholder forum to find an equitable solution to progress the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016.
Deputy Rabbitte’s call comes following the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, outlining what she sees are the four options available on ‘legislative pathways forward’.
Deputy Rabbitte said:
On the back of Minister Zappone’s comments it is clear we need a full and frank debate at the Children’s Committee to reach this impasse. I believe a stakeholder forum is the next logical step which will appease all involved in what may be next for this legislation.
She continued:
This is a complicated bill and there are a lot of views to balance, but having met numerous stakeholders, from rights groups to specialist lawyers, much better solutions exist than what the Minister has suggested. I think the best way forward is to convene a stakeholder forum so common ground can be found, which would then clear the way for a bill that satisfies all parties.
Deputy Rabbitte concluded:
This battle has been dragging on for twenty years and a resolution is needed. Minister Zappone has now realised that this bill is doomed, and stakeholders would prefer the status quo than proceed with her proposed bill.
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