Vol. 470 No. 8
83 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the recommendation by the Constitution Review Group in relation to Article 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; whether he accepts its recommendations; and if not, the reason therefor. [20194/96]
The report of the Constitution Review Group is being examined by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution established by the Government following consultation with the Opposition parties. I am a member of this committee and, therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual recommendations at this juncture.
Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in September 1992 and is fully committed to its implementation. In regard to Article 7 and the right of a child to know, as far as possible, his or her parents, the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for post-adoption contact between birth parents and adopted persons and access to birth records is a priority of the Government. It is my firm intention that the necessary enabling legislation will be brought forward as quickly as possible after the Supreme Court determines a case stated to it by the Circuit Court which will have a direct bearing on the nature and scope of the framework that will be put in place.
