Dr. Geoffrey Shannon:

As I have previously commented, the issue of the right to know one's identity is very clearly enshrined under the international instruments, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I would draw attention to Articles 7 and 8 of that convention and under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In other areas such as the area of adoption, we know the importance of access to birth information. It is a very difficult issue and to pretend that there is a quick-fix solution would misrepresent the complexities of this situation. I happen to believe, and the society's submission is very clear on this issue, that it is important that consideration is given to the right to identity and, in so as it is possible, that this is factored into the provisions of the Bill.