Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is our purpose to propose unfettered access. This legislation has developed from heads of Bill. Changes were made between the heads of Bill and the introduction of this draft legislation. Since the publication of the draft legislation, I have brought forward a set of important amendments, which have been agreed by this committee. In the context of the significant number of amendments that we discussed, I have agreed to go back to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the wording and implementation of a number of them where I believe they strengthen the Bill and chime with the view we all have of bringing about better legislation. Where I did not agree with the provisions of the amendments, I put forward clear arguments for that, primarily on the basis that the issues concerned were already addressed in the Bill.

There are one or two important areas where there is a clear disagreement. We had the opportunity to discuss that and we will have the same opportunity on Report Stage, but I have carefully considered every amendment here. I have given them fair consideration and answered the concerns that have been brought forward as to why those amendments were not implemented. As I said, my officials and I will go back to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on a number of the points raised and we will continue to strengthen this legislation. I have also indicated that I will bring forward new amendments on a number of points, again, with a view to strengthening this legislation and making sure that all information is available to adopted people and to those who are the subject of illegal birth registrations.