Professor Ray Murphy:

I can add something. If you look at the definitions of relevant persons in the legislation, they do not include relatives. That is somewhat arbitrary. Likewise, when you look at relevant records, which is what the Deputy is referring to, the definition of what a relevant record that people can have access to is quite narrow. It should include a full schedule of all the records relating to adopted persons. The definitions section of the Act could be looked at again. The purpose of the legislation is to make information available to affected persons. Using restricted definitions will have a significant impact on the type of information is available and those who can access it. The Deputy asked what the view of those affected is. It is that this should be significantly expanded. From a human rights perspective, I think that would be a good idea.