Vol. 512 No. 6
210 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for the establishment of an office for an organisation (details supplied) in view of the increasing demands from adopted persons for more information regarding their birth mothers and relatives. [26614/99]
226 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for the Adopted Peoples Association in order to enable it to develop its support services. [26771/99]
250 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for the development of the Adopted Peoples Association which is providing support and sensitivity to sufferers. [26854/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210, 226 and 250 together.
As I stated in the House on 23 November 1999, I am very much aware of the worthwhile work being done by a large number of very dedicated voluntary organisations, including the Adopted Peoples Association, in the complex area of adoption, tracing and reunion.
Work is under way on the preparation of legislation in the area of adoption information, post-adoption contact and associated issues. The office of the Attorney General is being consulted in the ongoing development of the content of the legislation and it is hoped to have the scheme of a Bill presented to Government as early as possible in the year 2000. As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not wish to grant-aid individual voluntary groups at this point as it would be inappropriate of me to pre-empt the outcome of the legislative process.
I am aware that the Adopted Peoples Association is anxious to see the establishment of a post-adoption services board or office as part of the planned legislation and this proposal is one of the many options which will be considered in due course, in the context of the administrative structures required to administer the provisions of the Act.
