Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
565. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans regarding medical information for those adopted and fostered, including those whose adoption was forced by religious institutions, in order for them to have access to clinical information pertaining to them and their known family for medical purposes. [35770/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Adoption (Information ) and Tracing Bill 2016 was submitted to Government this week, seeking approval to publish the Bill. This Bill provides for adopted persons to access medical information, that is in relation to an adopted person his or her medical history, and the medical history of his or her birth parent, where that history is, or is likely to be, of relevance to the maintenance or management of the physical or mental health of the person or of a relative of the person. The Child and Family Agency will provide adopted persons and their relatives with medical information held on an adoption record and will facilitate tracing of and contact with, a birth parent to seek further medical information where requested by the adopted person.
The National Standards for Foster Care include a standard to ensure that the health and developmental needs of children and young people in foster care are assessed and met. They are given information, guidance and support to make appropriate choices in relation to their health and development. Case records for children and young people in foster care contain clear and complete records of all health and development information from birth. Efforts made to obtain any missing information are recorded on case files.
