Up to 2,000 foster children may be eligible for adoption under new laws

There could be 2,000 children eligible for adoption from the foster care system when the legislation from the Children's Referendum is enacted.

The Minister for Children James Reilly is addressing a conference on the issue this morning.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland has said adoption from foster care should be considered when there is no prospect of the child returning home and if the child is securely attached in the foster family.

Wayne Dignam of the Irish Care Leavers Network said each case would need to be assessed.

"There are approximately 2,000 children in long-term foster care," he said. "There would have to be a full assessment of the appetite for adoption from those children."