Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thought it was implicit in the Bill that the birth family's relevant medical history would be passed on. Senator Cullinane might clarify if, in his amendment, he means information over and above what is provided at the time of placement.

As Senator Moloney said, by and large, most birth mothers would be quite healthy because they are young. The medical history one gets at that point is more like the grandparents' medical history, which is fine. These people are probably in their 40s or 50s. I know about this because I have been a receiver of such information. There can be quite a pattern of heart disease coming down through the genes, as Senator Mooney said, which is something to watch out for, or there can be respiratory problems, alerting one to be mindful not to smoke. It is very good. I wonder if what is being sought in this amendment is over and above that information because the making available of that information is good practice. The passing on of that information has been the practice here for more than 20 years.