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

And there's a call for coherent planning, ahead of the new laws.

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

The Adoption Authority of Ireland says 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 says each case would need to be assessed: