Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reasons for the delays in adopted persons being granted access to their files regarding Bessborough Centre, Cork which are being held by the Health Service Executive in St. Stephen's Hospital, Glanmire, Cork; if measures will be implemented to shorten the delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32925/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Following talks with the HSE, the Sacred Heart Order and officials from my Department, the HSE agreed to take responsibility for the adoption files of the Sacred Heart Adoption Society located in Bessborough, Blackrock, Co. Cork.

I have been advised by the Office of the National Director, Children & Family Services HSE that the files have now been transferred to the HSE in their entirety. The HSE inform me that a system has been put in place to manage queries from clients, i.e. children born in the Sacred Heart Homes (now adults) and birth mothers. Queries are being dealt with in the HSE Regional Adoption Department in order that enquirers can be offered a meeting with a social worker/counsellor to deal with requests as promptly as possible.

The HSE has already commenced responding to individual queries and encourages anyone seeking their personal data to communicate directly with the HSE South Adoption Unit, St Stephen's Hospital, Glanmire, Co.Cork (tel. 021 4858650).