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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Adoption Services.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

136 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps which have been taken in the past two years to assist adopted persons to trace their parents or mother; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29376/01]

As I outlined to the House on 24 October 2001 – Parliamentary Question No. 228 – the Government approved the draft heads of the adoption information, post adoption contact and associated issues Bill in May of this year. During 1999 a wide consultation process involving adopted people, birth parents, adoptive parents and people working in adoption, especially tracing and reunion, was undertaken in the course of the drafting of the legislative proposals. The Bill provides for the establishment of a regulated, State funded tracing and reunion service to assist people to trace. I will be ensuring that adequate structures and resources are in place to provide this service in an appropriate and timely manner. The heads of the Bill are currently with the office of the parliamentary counsel for the drafting of the legislation.

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