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

On the commission of investigation, whose terms of reference I expect to be approved by the Dáil before we rise for the summer, it is not my intention that it will in any way hamper, curtail or delay the process under way between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General in advancing the heads of the Bill for further discussion.

The Deputy referred to an individual case. While it would not be wise or appropriate of me to comment on individual cases of which I do not have the particulars, I suggest the Deputy's constituent contact the Adoption Authority of Ireland and avail of the most helpful service it provides for tracing and assisting in this most personal and sensitive matter.

I am engaged in an ongoing series of meetings with the Attorney General and I am most anxious to ensure the Bill is advanced. However, any legislation in this area may provide only for the retrospective identification of information to be given to an adopted person in very limited circumstances and where the birth mother consents. These are the constitutional parameters within which we are required to work.

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