Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I already contributed on Second Stage.I caused a bit of a flurry when I raised questions about information being imparted to children at a particular age. I have moved beyond that and I overwhelmingly support all aspects of this Bill with regard to the right of adopted persons to know as early as possible their origins and their identity.

On this amendment, I have read the original proposal in section 5(3)(e) to which Senator Cullinane is adding his proposed amendment, which would strengthen the Bill. As the Senator Moloney said, the Minister, being a general practitioner, will have a view on this but, to me, it seems fundamental. Having regard to there being some 60,000 adoptees in this country, we may be talking about a long lead-in period in this respect. A significant number of that 60,000 are of a particular age and perhaps of an age where their medical history would be essential and such information very helpful because of declining health. I know my family background and it seems horrendous that an adopted person who would go to their general practitioner for an initial diagnosis would not have that basic building block in place in order that their general practitioner could make an honest and accurate assessment of the medical condition of their patient. I am sure the Minister will have a view on that but I suggest this would be an essential building block in terms of his legislative proposals. It does not bear thinking about that an adopted person as they get older - they could require this information at any time and I am not referring to any age limit - would not have that vital information about their family history. It becomes more relevant the older the adopted person gets and the more likely they would have to visit a GP or access hospital for health reasons. As a medical doctor, the Minister will be able to clarify this but, as a non-medical person, my understanding is that there are genetic dimensions to certain diseases and certain health conditions such as heart disease and cancer which seem to move on in particular families where there is a history of it. I will rest the case there. I support the overall thrust of what is being attempted to be achieved here and I particularly support this amendment.