Written answers

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Registration of Births

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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67. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his attention was drawn to the issue of illegal adoptions. [26148/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am interpreting the Deputy's question as referring to the issue of illegal birth registration.

When I took office I was briefed on this matter, including the Independent Review into illegal birth registrations and the broader work of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation.

Following the publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation in January of this year and the subsequent publication of the Independent Review in March, I requested the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection to consider the issue of appropriate next steps in relation to illegal birth registrations. He is due to submit his report to me by the end of October.

I am focused at present on progressing legislation that enables the full release of birth certificates and other important origins information for adopted people and others, including those who are the subject of an illegal birth registration. This legislation also addresses the issue of correcting the birth registration of those who are the subject of an illegal birth registration, and providing them with certainty and clarity on matters relating to identity. I have commenced a consultation process with the relevant individuals which will inform finalisation of the proposed legislation.

Finally, it is acknowledged by all parties that adoption in the past was a secretive process, carried out without due respect for the rights and dignity of those involved. Today, the safeguards in the adoption acts ensure that the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in all adoption cases, and in every step of the process.

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