(1)  The court shall not make an order for the adoption of a child in favour of a person who, or 2 persons either of whom, is less than 18 years older than the child unless the court, on the recommendation of the Secretary or the principal officer of an approved agency, considers that there are circumstances relating to the needs of the child which make it desirable to make the adoption order.

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the proposed adoption of a child –

(a) who has attained the age of 18 years; or

(b) by a spouse of a natural parent of the child, by a person who is, or whose spouse is, a relative of the child, or by 2 persons who are relatives of the child.