Vol. 571 No. 1
793 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the major concerns regarding the proposed adoption legislation, particularly subsection 8, head 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/03]
972 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the process of public consultation which has been undertaken on the heads of the Proposed Adoption Information, Post-Adoption Contact and Associated Issues Bill published by his Department. [20725/03]
1000 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in respect of the proposed oral hearings on the proposed adoption legislation; the format such hearings are to take; the persons and groups which have been invited or permitted to make oral presentations; and if the issue of post-adoption contact will be discussed in detail at such hearings. [21038/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 793, 972 and 1,000 together.
I have been aware of concerns about a range of issues regarding adoption. In view of this, I initiated a consultation process on adoption legislation earlier this summer to give interested groups and individuals the opportunity to comment on existing and proposed adoption legislation. An independent legal expert prepared a draft discussion document which highlighted the main areas of concern and I also published the draft proposals which already existed in relation to adoption information and the Hague Convention. These documents were placed on my Department's website and also sent to interested parties. Advertisements were placed in the national newspapers to encourage responses.
