Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government must respond immediately and effectively. If there needs to be an independent inquiry, let us have it. Let us give the Minister, Deputy Zappone, the space and time to do this. As Senator Norris suggests, she has only one interest. I have heard some people coming in and talking about an information tracing Bill. There is a reason for the delay, and it is not as easy as some people suggest. There are sensitivities, rights of people and protections that must be provided. We must get the balance right. It is a complex matter. Listening to the Seán O'Rourke's radio programme this morning one would have heard the remarks of Mr. Tim Bracken, a senior counsel. He spoke of the major legal complexities in what has happened, including elements of parenthood, relationship succession and the rights of the adopted person. People could lose one right associated with a birth parent by being adopted but that may not be the case after all. I do not want to create hysteria, and that is why we need calm debate.

I do not know if we can retrospectively amend legislation. All of us want to see the publication of amendments for the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill and it is important for this to be done in a manner that progresses the Bill. It is a bit like the post-referendum call for legislation. We should get it right rather than having to revisit everything again. I am very much of that view, although I might be in a minority of one. Let us not give the legal eagles a field day in any scenario any more. We have an obligation to the affected people to get this right. I commend the Minister, Deputy Zappone, on her work.

We have created Tusla and there is an adoption agency. There is a duty on it to put right the wrongs of the past, and that is what we will do. It is why I asked the people in the office of the Minister, Deputy Zappone, about this before the Order of Business. It is important that we, as a House, debate the matter, as is the wish of Senators Mark Daly, Conway-Walsh, Boyhan, Humphreys and the Civic Engagement Group. We should discuss it tonight.

I do not have information on the trials from GlaxoSmithKlline mentioned by Senators Daly and Boyhan. If what they say is the case, it is appalling that this has been done. People should be informed on that. I am not being critical of the Senator.