Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the same matter, I note the condemnation of Tusla in the Charleton report. In light of that condemnation, does the Government agree that it should no longer be considered necessary to have social worker led adoption information and tracing? This requirement is part of what causes delays. Will the Government proceed to complete the introduction of adoption and tracing legislation to give adopted people access as of right to their own files and information? We are not asking for anyone else's files, we are asking as a matter of human rights for access to our own files. Mr. Justice Charleton's condemnation of Tusla speaks to this issue in that Governments have, unfortunately, been advised to allow social workers to dominate this area and that is what is causing the delay.

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