Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Earlier today at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children there were several groups representing people who have been adopted, including the Adoption Rights Alliance and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, among others. One issue that came up among all contributors was the lack of progress in respect of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill. This legislation would give people a basic fundamental right, the right to an identity. This legislation was a top priority for the Government upon coming to office. The Government is now in three years in office and we are still awaiting publication of the Bill. Perhaps the Minister could advise the House of the progress of same.

My second question relates to the interdepartmental group which was set up following the report into the Tuam mother and baby home. I presume the Department of Education and Skills is central to that group. The group was to report back to the Government, I understand, at the end of this month - that is, Monday 30 June. Can the Minister confirm whether that report will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday morning?

See this speech in context