I propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1121 together.
As the Deputy is aware, following agreement by the Birth Information and Tracing Act Implementation Group, a DNA Working Group was established in March 2023. The Group, which comprises of representation from my Department, the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) and the Child and Family Agency, Tusla has been tasked with considering approaches and practices in respect of the use of DNA technology for the purposes of Adoption/Birth Information and Tracing Services, as well as the legal and technical challenges which exist in that regard, and to assess whether these approaches and practices could complement the delivery of Birth Information and Tracing Services.
The Working Group is currently in the process of concluding its work and I expect to receive a report on its considerations and findings in early Q2 2024 at which point I will consider appropriate next steps.