Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7064/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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It is my intention to progress to Committee Stage of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 in the Seanad Éireann as quickly as possible.

It is intended that a number of Government amendments will be proposed at Committee Stage or Report Stage. These are currently being finalised.

Some of these amendments seek to address concerns raised about elements of the Bill during the debate on Second Stage in the Seanad and by advocates and lobby groups, particularly in relation to the privacy provisions contained in the bill. I am continuing to actively explore all options in relation to facilitating the release of as much birth information as possible to adopted and other relevant persons.

In addition, my Department is consulting with the Data Protection Commissioner to determine if amendments are required to ensure compliance with the GDPR.