Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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These amendments are to provide for the creation and role of an adoption advisory group to assist in the proper functioning of the Bill and of the process it is intended to facilitate. The input of those with direct experience of adoption is essential if the services set out under the Bill are to be effective. A previous Minister with responsibility for children, the late Brian Lenihan Jnr., set up an advisory group to assist the Adoption Authority on an information and tracing service and other matters. Campaigners have sought that similar groups be put in place for this Bill in recognition of the complexity involved and the vital insight adopted people can provide. The Minister and his officials create the law but adopted people live it. It would be beneficial to the process and a strong sign of good faith from the Department to include it.