Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 6

Written Answers. - Post Adoption Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

28 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the consultations, if any, he or his Department officials have had with the interested parties to post adoption issues as promised following the Supreme Court case ruling on 3 April 1998. [18905/98]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

45 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to bring forward legislation to provide post adoption services. [18906/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 45 together.

As I explained to the House earlier this week, specific staff in the newly established child care legislation unit have been assigned to the preparation of legislation in this area. These staff have been familiarising themselves with the issues involved in this complex matter and the Office of the Attorney General has also been consulted.

The child care legislation unit will be in a position to enter into an extensive consultation process with all interested parties in the coming weeks. The aim of the consultation process is to secure an inclusive and well informed approach to the implementation of legislation in this area. I also intend to hold a one day seminar in order to give all of those who were involved in the consultation process an opportunity to come together and consider the outcome of the discussions. I will be listening carefully to all views before finalising my proposals so that this issue can be dealt with in a coherent, integrated and sensitive manner.