Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator McGreehan made a point about the genetic relative. I understand it is relevant in the medical area and in the question of illegal adoptions and that. There is a purpose to genetic relative in the Bill. The problem I have is there is no parallel definition of "relative" and that it is genetic relative that is applied as the limitation in terms of information on who has enquired. I have not really heard from the Minister why that limitation is being placed on being told who has enquired about a person. The Minster mentioned that, separately, those who have made arrangements for a person's adoption are covered but I do not understand why it is being limited to genetic relative in terms of who has enquired about a person. It may be a neighbour or that person's mother's best friend. I do not understand why that limitation is there. I understand genetic relative is relevant in tracking situations where people have been incorrectly or illegally registered or where information has been falsified and it is relevant in the medical area, but I do not know why genetic relative is still the frame in this area. I urge the Minister to consider that factor in the assumption on the non-release of the name.