Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2015
130. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when he will address the right for adopted citizens to gain access to their biological files for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/15]
View answer137. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the likely dates and content of legislation to facilitate the provision of identifying information and other personal information to parties to adoptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22822/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 137 together.
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is developing legislation that will provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to information and tracing for those affected by adoption. The Bill will provide for statutory access to adoption records for adopted persons and birth parents, and others.
The Minister proposes as progressive an approach as possible within the legal and operational complexities which arise in giving effect to this objective. The overall policy objective, in bringing forward proposed legislation on adoption information and tracing, has always been to provide access to as much information as possible to those affected by adoption. Draft legislation in this regard is being developed and it is the Minister's intention to bring this to Government as soon as possible with a view to presenting it to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for pre legislative consideration.
