Vol. 563 No. 4
412 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will put in place arrangements to ensure that people who were adopted in the past can directly obtain information in relation to their birth parents and family members as well as medical records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7788/03]
The Government has recently approved a wide ranging consultation on all aspects of legislation in relation to adoption.
413 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will put in place guidelines for adoption agencies dealing with adoptees seeking information from them; if he is satisfied that the staff of those agencies are qualified and trained in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7789/03]
The Government has recently approved a wide ranging consultation on all aspects of legislation in relation to adoption. This consultation, which will be short and highly focused, will include looking at the role of agencies in relation to adoption and to the provision of information. A working document which will set out a number of issues for consideration will be published as soon as possible, and written submissions will be invited to be followed by an oral consultation. The working document will be developed by an independent legal expert who will also examine the various submissions.
It is anticipated that it will result in workable proposals to bring to Government which will lead to a new, modern and appropriate legislative framework for adoption.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 392.
