John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to speak about this legislation. I welcome it and believe it is long overdue. As previous speakers have said, it may not be perfect, and the Minister has acknowledged that herself, but it is a very genuine attempt to improve the existing legislation and I commend the Minister on that. It is very important that this Bill gives birth parents and relatives a legal right to information and tracing services. A legal right is a legal right. In the past, it was a grace and favour arrangement where if someone was lucky, he or she got information. If that person knew how to go about it - searching records, archives and the register of births, deaths and marriages - that person might find his or her mother, son, daughter or whatever loved one that person was looking for. However, we have learned from the mistakes of the past. Unfortunately, it may be too late for some but it is important legislation.

I note that Tusla will undertake an awareness campaign when the legislation comes into operation to publicise it and provide information on what details can be given and the circumstances in which this can be done. This campaign should not just be run in this country but should be widespread because the Irish diaspora is all over the world.

It is a very comprehensive Bill and I commend the Minister and her officials on the thoroughness and genuine attempt to cover all the angles. Tusla will offer support and guidance to adopted people and birth mothers. It has given consideration to every variance and sensitivity and there are options for appeals for anyone not satisfied with the determination of Tusla or the Adoption Authority of Ireland. I am aware that Tusla has been doing a lot of good work and provides professional advice and guidance. I know of an adopted person who had dealings with Tusla in recent years. They met their birth mother for the first time in their 40s. They received counselling and advice. Matters were anonymous in the sense that no addresses were given. There was written contact with their mother before both parties met. The person and the birth mother were supported through the process, boundaries were agreed and a meeting was arranged. The adopted person met their mother as a result of the process they went through. They are working on building a tentative relationship. It is not easy. There is a lot of hurt and there are many years to catch up on with an elderly and frail birth mother who lives in the UK. That is why this legislation is so important.It will allow people who are 18 years of age to access their birth information if they so wish. They will have time to build relationships and they have an entitlement to this information.

The Minister and her officials have obviously examined this matter from many angles and appear to have gone to great lengths to cover every eventuality. Most importantly, they have taken a human approach in dealing with the sensitivities involved. I commend all of them on that and on the work that has gone into drafting this legislation.