James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Adoption Authority of Ireland will have the authority to obtain records. We are still working with the Data Protection Commissioner on some grey areas, for example, in cases where information could be held in a piecemeal fashion in various ledgers and so forth. This was the experience of officials when they sought information and found bits of information in one ledger and other bits in other areas. Gathering the information involved a considerable amount of work and co-operation was needed to do so. We will keep the Data Protection Commissioner on side. There is, however, no question that Tusla will have the power to obtain records.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout made the eminently sensible suggestion that I consult the joint committee about the information campaign. Elected representatives are the best people to know how to contact others, particularly individuals who may not bother listening to the radio, reading newspapers, etc. We will consider all of the recommendations made by the joint committee.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick referred to resources. We are certain we will obtain the resources required to deal with this issue.

Senator Averil Power raised two concerns. On the issue of compelling reasons, I have addressed this matter and fully accept her point that the current position is counter-productive in that the only way a person can make contact is to find the information and subsequently contact the other party to ascertain whether he or she wishes to have contact. The Bill will allow for a much more streamlined and less stressful approach for everyone concerned.

I addressed the issue of the statutory declaration. I accept the point the Senator makes about the solution proposed by Barnardos. We can consider that proposal to ascertain whether it would help.

We are in touch with the Data Protection Commission on the issue of data protection.

I thank all those who have been pursuing this matter. I also thank the officials for their sterling work. I note that Ms Susan Lohan of the Adoption Rights Alliance, among others, is in the Visitors Gallery.

I addressed the issue of whether the Bill would be drafted immediately. There will be no delay in producing the legislation. The Government, including the Tánaiste and me, and the Attorney General are determined to complete this work. The Government is determined to address the issue in the remainder of its term and I hope we will succeed in doing so. However, as I do not know when the next general election will be held, I cannot give cast iron guarantees in that regard, but we will certainly do as much as we can as quickly as possible.