Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
513. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the position in relation to the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; the way in which she plans to assist those affected by an incorrect birth registration under the terms of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27861/18]
View answerThe Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 has passed Second Stage in the Seanad and it is my intention that the Bill will be enacted by the end of the year. In order to progress the Bill, I recently met with advocacy groups and with Oireachtas colleagues, which was informative and helpful.
The Bill impacts on people who are the subject of illegal registrations, as well as adopted people. It provides people who were subjects of incorrect registrations with access to information and tracing services. It will also protect relevant records by bringing them into the custody of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Officials are currently reviewing its provisions, in the light of the recent evidence emerging on illegal birth registrations, to ensure that it is robust in addressing this issue. If additional amendments to the Bill are required to ensure this, this can be addressed as the Bill progresses goes through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
