Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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211. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has considered the possibility of holding a constitutional amendment to allow the citizens of Ireland decide whether adopted persons will be allowed full access to information on files about their adoption held by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54637/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Work is continuing in relation to the preparation of the Heads of Bill of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill. I am anxious to bring the Heads of Bill before Government at the earliest possible date. The Constitutional and legal context within which the development of these legislative proposals must be undertaken is complex. Certain legal and policy questions are currently being finalised and I expect to shortly submit a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government. The proposals will have to address the Constitutional and legal position with regard to any retrospective application of legislation, particularly as it relates to the right to privacy and the necessity to obtain consent for the release of personal information. I have agreed with the Oireachtas Health and Children Committee that once agreed by Government, the Heads of Bill will be the subject of Committee hearings so that the complex and sensitive issues involved can be the subject of public consideration.