Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Adoption Law Reform.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

83 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health whether he will meet with a small delegation of interested parties regarding adoption law reform for a mutual exchange of views; and the plans, if any, he has regarding reforming this law. [7925/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

I consider all requests by interested parties for meetings to discuss an area for which I have responsibility. If the Deputy or the delegation to which he refers contact me to request a meeting to discuss adoption legislation, then I will be pleased to consider it.

I am, at present, preparing proposals for the reform of the adoption law in several areas. I am preparing amending legislation to address the issues raised in the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Keeganv Ireland and to extend the current law on the recognition of adoptions effected in countries whose laws permit the termination of adoptions in certain circumstances. It is also my intention to bring forward, at the earliest possible date, legislation to provide for the establishment of a national adoption contact register to assist adopted persons and birth parents who wish to reestablish contact with one another. The issue of access by adopted persons to birth records will also be considered in this context.