Noel Ahern
Question:156 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the work done on estab lishing an adoption contact register; when legislation will be introduced; and if it will commence on a non-statutory basis. [16941/99]
Written Answers. - Adoption Contact Register.
The child care legislation unit in my Department is currently preparing legislation in the area of post-adoption contact and associated issues, including the establishment of a voluntary contact register. An extensive consultation process was entered into in recent weeks with all interested parties and support groups and is now about to draw to a close. The aim of the consultation process is to secure an inclusive and well informed approach to the preparation of legislation in this area. The consultation process has given my Department a very valuable insight into the needs and interests of all parties in this area.
There are several very complex legal and constitutional issues to be considered in the context of the proposed legislation. My officials will now review their proposals in the light of the consultation process and consult further with the office of the Attorney General in the matter before commencing work on drafting the Heads of a Bill. As you can appreciate, it is difficult to give a precise timescale for the introduction of legislation in this area but I can assure Deputy Ahern that the matter is being addressed and will be dealt with as quickly as possible. I do not intend introducing reform in this area on a non-statutory basis.