A major conference on domestic adoption will get underway in Cork this morning.

"Redefining Adoption In A New Era" will examine the opportunities and challenges for adoption law and social work practice.

Among the guest speakers at UCC today will be Philomena Lee, the birth-mother whose story inspired the Oscar-nominated film 'Philomena'.

Philomena's son was born in Sean Ross Abbey Mother and Baby home in Tipperary, and then sent to America for adoption.

Labour TD Anne Ferris is an adoptee herself and will deliver the opening address at this morning's conference.