David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 9, line 32, after "relations" to insert the following:"and protect, as a right, access for adopted persons to their birth family’s relevant medical history".

This is my first contribution on the Bill, as Senator Ó Clochartaigh took the earlier Stages, but I wanted to commend the Senators who have introduced it. I will speak to the amendment. The Bill's authors have discussed it with me. I will listen to the Minister's response. We may withdraw the amendment and resubmit it on Report Stage if he is not of a mind to accept it now.

Knowing one's medical history is an important factor in making many life decisions.It can have an effect when someone is deciding whether to have children or whether to undergo an operation, and in general behaviour relating to diet and exercise. Knowing one has an inherited genetic condition might affect one's decision on whether to have a child, or whether to have one with someone who is a genetic carrier for certain conditions. Certain genetic conditions might affect how someone leads his or her life. There is increased clustering of many diseases in families, which might lead to additional screening and even surgery if an adoptee is made aware of this. Adoptees may not be aware of increased risks due to a family history of cardiovascular disease. It is important that they are aware so that they can decide to change their behaviour. This information is relevant to that. "Relevant" is included as it would mean that any history relevant to the adoptee would be given. I appreciate that all of these issues are complex, but it is a serious matter that we need to give consideration to. That is the purpose of the amendment, and I will listen intently to the Minister's response.