Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 637: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views regarding a submission regarding adoption (details supplied); if there is proposed legislation to address this issue; if so, when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The General Register Office (Oifig An Ard-Chláraitheora) is the central repository for records relating to Births, Deaths and Marriages in the Republic of Ireland. Under the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority of Ireland is responsible for sending particulars to an tArd-Chláraitheoir for entries in the Adopted Children Register. An abridged certificate (a short birth certificate) currently available from the GRO, does not disclose that the person to whom the certificate relates is an adopted person. However, it is acknowledged that this short birth certificate contains, in essence, only the name and date of birth of the person. In the Adoption Act, 2010, Section 89 provides that the Minister for Social Protection may, following consultation with myself, make regulations to provide that An tArd-Chláraitheoir in relation to any entry in the Adopted Children's Register may issue a certificate of such particulars contained in the entry as may be specified in the regulations. Section 89(2) provides that in making any such regulations, the certificate may not disclose that the person to whom the certificate relates is an adopted person. In relation to the making of these regulations I will raise it with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection and bring the ongoing difficulties being experienced by adopted people to her attention.

Heads of Bill in respect of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill are at an advanced stage and there is ongoing consultation with the Attorney General's Office in relation to the Heads. The new legislation will provide a structured legal framework to support adopted people and birth parents who are seeking information and who wish to trace one another.