Children and Family Relationships Act
Ciara Conway says uncommenced provisions are causing children to reach adulthood before adoption eligibility and urges prompt legislation. The Taoiseach says the Act is enacted and will investigate commencement of the remaining provisions.
A number of weeks ago, I raised the issue of the Children and Family Relationships Act which still has not been enacted. Many children are timing out, meaning they are reaching the age of 18 before they become eligible for adoption. It is heartbreaking for families. My colleagues asked about the adoption (tracing and information) Bill, and I understand the two Bills are interlinked. It is imperative that the adoption (tracing and information) Bill come before the House before Christmas.
Comment on this
I have answered on the adoption (tracing and information) Bill. The Children and Family Relationships Act has been enacted. Is the Deputy talking about some commencement order for some element of it?
Comment on this
Only one section, relating to passports, has been commenced. The rest of the Bill has not been commenced.