I propose to take Questions Nos. 693 and 694 together.
The Adoption Act 2010 has been in operation for just three years. Since the implementation of the Act, as is often the case with complex legislation, issues have arisen in relation to the operation of the Act. There are also more general policy questions around the nature of our adoption regime. In the circumstances I think it is timely to consider an initial review of adoption legislation. Given the range and complexity of the issues this will require a preliminary examination following which decisions will be made on the extent and time scale for the review. Based upon the many domestic and international legal aspects to adoption the issue of further legislative development will certainly be considered. This review will inform future operational and legislative considerations regarding the Adoption Act 2010.