Adoption Records Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Questions (548, 557)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

548. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the Children's Referendum and the fact that there are 50,000 adopted persons here who do not have an automatic right to their birth certificate, their medical information or history, or the right to trace information about their identity, if she will consider introducing legislation to provide for the basic legal rights of adopted persons before they are legally adopted and align them with the rights allocated to other citizens of the State; if the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill will include the adopted child's right to their name, the right to know their parents, the right of the child to preserve their identity including nationality, name and family relations as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42718/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

557. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the efforts she is making to facilitate the estimated 50,000 adopted persons in this State who have been refused access to their personal medical and other records. [43459/12]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 557 together.

These issues are being considered in the preparation of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill. It is intended that the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill will provide a structured and regulated way of providing access to adoption information and contact and for the safeguarding and maintenance of all adoption records in the State, with the Adoption Authority having responsibility for ensuring that adopted persons and birth parents have access to their records in accordance with the proposed Bill.

It is intended that the Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have access to and control over records currently held by a wide range of information sources including the HSE, giving the Authority an oversight role with regard to the maintenance of adoption records. In addition the National Contact Preference Register will be put on a statutory basis. It is intended that the proposed Bill will provide for a pro-active tracing and reunion service for all persons affected by adoption by appropriate bodies with the Adoption Authority having the overarching responsibility for the service.