Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I have been advised by the Adoption Authority of Ireland that it only holds records of adoptions effected since the introduction of statutory adoption in 1952. It holds no records relating to birth registrations.

The Adoption Board commenced a preliminary examination of available records in 2010. The audit related to records retained by the authority of contact received from persons who have been told and-or believe themselves to be adopted, in respect of whom no adoption record exists. This indicated that 99 people who have identified themselves to the board or authority as adopted, do not have a corresponding adoption file.

Around 50% of these relate to so-called "adoptions" prior to the introduction of the statutory adoption regime under the Adoption Act 1952, which was commenced on 1 January 1953. This work has continued following the commencement of the Adoption Act 2010, as these queries continue to arise.

The authority intends to undertake further work to explore the full extent of the issue. The board of the authority will then consider possible next steps to contribute to an understanding of the issue, including any advice to the Minister. It is important to note that the authority has no statutory responsibility in respect of the matter but is extremely sensitive to the issue, as it should be. Notwithstanding that, it should be noted that in a number of individual cases, where the facts have been available to the board or the authority, it has advised the appropriate authorities in respect of any activities which it believed contravened the Adoption Acts for the relevant period, but that is historic.

The drafting of legislation with regard to information and tracing is a priority of mine. Work is underway in regard to the preparation of the Bill, in consultation with the Adoption Authority, to provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to information and contact for those affected by adoption. It is intended that the adoption (information and tracing) Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have access to records currently held by a wide range of information services, give the authority an oversight role with regard to the maintenance of adoption records and place the national contact preference register on a statutory basis. The Bill will also provide for proactive tracing and reunion services by appropriate bodies for adopted adults, birth mothers and birth families, with the Adoption Authority having the overarching responsibility for the service. I intend to take this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.

See this speech in context