Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that the gentleman mentioned by Deputy Wallace who has these adoption records should have a discussion with the HSE or the Adoption Authority of Ireland in relation to the possibility of handing over those records. It seems to me that would be the right thing for this private individual who has access to adoption records from the past to do. As I said, work has already begun with the HSE on the gathering of records. If any Deputy knows about records that are in the possession of an individual, in the first instance there should be a discussion with the HSE or the Adoption Authority of Ireland about whether the individual wishes to hand them over or is in a position to do so. That would be far preferable than the records remaining in private hands as suggested by Deputy Daly.

I have mentioned that this work has commenced. The HSE has already gathered files from a variety of sources. I provided information earlier on the number of places where files have been gathered from. There is no reason not to continue with the process that is in place.

Given the number of adoptions that took place in Ireland over the years, managing those records and organising them so they are more accessible is a large task. This is something of which the HSE adoption services are very conscious. Clearly, the overall adoption situation is changing very dramatically, as I said during the week. It has changed not just nationally but internationally, and there has been quite a drop in the number of adoptions. However, the HSE still has an adoption service and adoption workers, and it will be working increasingly in this area.

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