Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I have met a number of the groups that are impacted by this. This is something on which we have been working together for at least ten years. Prior to that, it related to families that were impacted by inequalities in adoption. We are well aware of the inequalities that are there.

The Act was passed last year. It needs amending legislation. Apart from anything else, the authority needs to be established. I have received names for a board and we are advertising for a CEO position. All of those things need to be in place to be able to do the suite of work. Subject to the timing of the Oireachtas, I hope to publish the legislation before the Dáil rises. It is up to the Oireachtas how quickly it progresses it. Once all of those things are together and the authority is in place, we will be able to commence everything together.

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