Vol. 510 No. 3
278 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, he has given to establishing up a post-adoption services board; if so, the steps, if any, he has taken to establish this board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22587/99]
Work is under way in the Department's child care legislation unit on the preparation of legislation in the very complex area of adoption information and associated issues relating to post-adoption contact.
In March 1999 a consultation document issued to a wide range of interested parties and voluntary support groups inviting them to participate in a consultation process on the preparation of legislation. The aim of the consultation process was to secure an inclusive and well informed approach to the drafting of the legislation. The consultation process concluded in late June 1999 and proved to be a very worthwhile exercise. It brought many conflicting views to the fore and illustrated to all involved the very complex issues which underpin this debate.
Work is now in progress on building on the outcome of the consultation process and the Office of the Attorney General has been consulted in the matter. The administrative structures required for the implementation of the legislation including the possibility of a post-adoption services board is one of the many issues under examination at present. It is planned to submit the heads of a Bill to Government early in the year 2000.
