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Post-Adoption Contact Register

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Ceisteanna (38)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

38. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs noting her statement in Dáil Éireann on 19 September 2012 that for decades this country has failed its children, her views on whether children illegally adopted were failed by the State; if she will agree to meet with those now adult who have asked to meet her; and if she will ensure to make secure medical and other records in private hands which can provide evidence of the crime committed against these children. [40654/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I have stated previously, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, and its predecessor The Adoption Board, has no statutory responsibility in respect of the matter raised but has endeavoured to assist persons affected, to the extent open to it. In that regard, I would refer to the fact that the Guidelines on Information and Tracing services first issued by the Adoption Board in 2004 included acknowledgement of historical existence of a practice of illegal birth registrations and offered the Board’s assistance in efforts to obtain any records that might still exist.

I am aware from the Adoption Authority that, in mid 2010, the Adoption Board conducted a review of information it retained of contact received from persons who had been told or believed themselves to be adopted, but where no adoption records existed. This exercise indicated that 99 people who had identified themselves to the Board as adopted, did not have a corresponding adoption file. Around 45 of these cases related to people born after 1953 and the balance related to persons born pre-1953.

I am advised that, at the specific request of the persons making a complaint, the Adoption Board did report a number of such cases to the Garda, the Registrar General, and the Director of Public Prosecutions by reference to possible offences under the Birth Registration Acts. It is my understanding that further action did not ensue having regard to available proof and the lapse of time since the events in question.

I have also made enquiries concerning the Deputy’s question about the number of such records held by the Health Service Executive. I have been informed that the HSE has not carried out a review similar to that done by the Adoption Board in 2010. I have asked the HSE to establish any relevant information in its possession and examine the matter. I am happy to further correspond directly with the Deputy on this.

Work is underway in relation to the preparation of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill, in consultation with the Adoption Authority, to provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to adoption information and contact, including where the adoption was not effected. 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. The proposed Bill will provide for pro-active tracing and reunion services by appropriate bodies with the Adoption Authority having the overarching responsibility for the service.

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