A second parent can only be a good thing

Breandán Ó Loingsigh (Irish Examiner, Letters, 28/1/2015) is concerned that children up for adoption will be randomly assigned to same-sex couples, depending on the adoption queue.

Eighty three domestic adoption orders were granted in the first three quarters of 2014 (source: Adoption Authority of Ireland). If 2014 is anything like previous years, the vast majority will have been adopted by family members.

For the few children who are left without a home, their prospective parents will be thoroughly vetted and assessed for suitability. Single people can already adopt, if deemed suitable.

Having another parent in the family, for support, can only be a positive thing for children.

Same-sex couples can already become biological parents, whether or not this referendum goes ahead.

Surely, giving these children a happily married, cohesive family unit is far more beneficial to society than not?

Maeve O’Rourke

High Street

Cork