Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I express my appreciation to Deputy Troy for the manner in which he has approached this entire issue. I undertake to keep him, on behalf of his party, fully informed of developments.

On the cost issue, there are a number of matters to be considered, not least the direct financial and staffing requirement of the commission of investigation. Once the commission of investigation is established and is setting about its task as agreed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, there will be an element of departmental oversight which will involve staffing and, consequently, expenditure of funds. There is, as Members will be aware, the heightened priority and workload given to my Department in the context of the awareness of the need to progress the importance and urgency of adoption reform. I am conscious of the cost implications. I would be happy to engage with him further on the work to date.

In response to Deputy Troy's specific question as to the number of submissions received, I have received in excess of 100. I have met many of the advocacy groups, church leaders and other interested parties outside the House.

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