Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

John Cregan

Ceist:

391 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the introduction of the long promised adoption contact register; when it was first promised; the reason for the extreme delay; the heads and issues to be covered; the timetable for its introduction; and the reason freedom of information requests do not apply in this area. [18403/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan):

In May 2001, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill dealing with adoption information, post-adoption contact and associated issues. The proposals included the provision of personal information as a right to all parties to adoption and the establishment of a voluntary contact register, a State-funded tracing and reunion service, a contact veto register, a national search service and a national files index. Personal information has been excluded from freedom of information legislation because of the complexities of adoption legislation and the sensitive nature of adoption. The proposals approved by the Government aimed to provide information in a structured manner and would have met the standards of information provision set down in the freedom of information legislation.

I have been conscious for some time of the need to undertake a review of adoption legislation, so that it can be more compatible with changing trends and life in the 21st century. As a result, I decided to embark upon a short and focused consultation process, not just on issues relating to adoption information, but on all aspects of adoption. A discussion paper, which has been drafted independently of my Department, raises a range of questions on all aspects of adoption. The document, which is available on the Department's website, includes details of the legislative proposals on tracing and reunion.

The document has been distributed to groups and associations involved in the adoption area and advertisements publicising the consultation have been placed in the national media. The deadline for the receipt of submissions is 18 July next and submissions will be reviewed independently. Following this review, a discussion forum will take place in early autumn between interested parties, including my Department. I hope that the consultation process will lead to the development of a framework of modern adoption legislation.