Written answers

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Adoption Legislation

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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510. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if emergency legislation is required in respect of persons that may have been the subject of bogus birth registration and have no certificate of adoption in respect of being transferred to their adopting parents; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons left in this situation are in an indeterminate position, have grown up with their adoptive parents and need their rights vindicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27769/18]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Deputy will of course be aware of my announcement on May 29th that clear evidence of illegal registration had been identified in respect of 126 St Patrick's Guild files. Tusla are actively engaged in a social work-led process of contacting the individuals concerned in a measured and sensitive way. I am aware of the complexity of issues that may arise for individuals receiving this life-changing information and I have already indicated my willingness to address the issues as they arise, with my Cabinet colleagues as required.

In relation to emergency legislation, my priority is to proceed with the enactment of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 as quickly as possible. The Bill contains provisions relating to access to a statutory information and tracing service, and for the transfer and custody of relevant records. The Bill makes provision for persons who are the subject of illegal registrations, as well as adopted people and my officials are currently reviewing its provisions, in the light of the recent evidence emerging on illegal birth registrations, to ensure that it is robust in addressing the necessary issues. If additional amendments to the Bill are required to ensure this, this can be addressed as the Bill proceeds through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

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