Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. This series of amendments puts tracing on a statutory basis. They are recommended by and have the support of people who are very experienced in this area. We want to promote the development of services that will assist people who were adopted and those who placed children for adoption to trace each other. A number of agencies have developed professional expertise in this area and a huge number of adopted young people have benefitted from the support these agencies can offer. Like other aspects of the Bill before us, this is a delicate issue and the proper professional standards must be in place to ensure people receive the best service possible.

This area has become even more complex due to international adoptions. I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's views on this. He stated earlier that issues had arisen in Romania, where tracing was introduced several years ago, in respect of families attempting to retrieve information. Making legislative provision for tracing is a useful means of promoting high standards.

Amendment No. 73 proposes the development of intermediary information and tracing services for birth families and adopted persons. It is similar in this regard to the amendment moved by Senator Prendergast. Does the Minister believe this should be part of the legislation? It is a core part of many people's experience and we want to ensure the system works effectively.