New laws on adoption rights for same-sex couples set for year end

New laws on family structures, including adoption rights for same-sex couples, are on track to be in place later this year, according to the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

She is examining a report by a cross-party committee which is recommending final tweaks to the legislation, including the removal of jail terms for parents in breach of the planned laws.

Following submissions from more than 32 stakeholders including equality campaigners, children’s rights groups and family lawyers, as well as hearings from these parties in April, the Oireachtas Justice Committee published the report yesterday.