Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1232. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a report by an organisation (details supplied). [41085/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1233. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an organisation (details supplied). [41086/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1234. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an organisation (details supplied). [41087/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1235. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an organisation (details supplied). [41088/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1236. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an organisation (details supplied). [41089/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235 and 1236 together.

I am aware of the Adoptee Voices report published by Aitheantas on 21 July and am currently giving careful consideration to this report. I have also met with Aitheantas a number of times during 2020 and 2021 as part of my wider engagement with adoption stakeholders.

With regard to the recommendations concerning a review of historic adoptions, I am very conscious that every record on adoption represents the lives of a number of individuals. There are major ethical issues at play where the reality, identity and family and legal relationships that people have lived their whole lives may be fundamentally impacted. I am also conscious that, in some cases, records may simply not exists anymore.

From listening to those most centrally affected, I believe that what is important as an immediate priority is access to birth certificates and early life information for adoptees. The Deputy will be aware that the Birth Information and Tracing legislation is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. If enacted, this legislation will, for the first time, enshrine in law the clear right of access to birth certificates, and other birth and early life information.

The legislation will provide the necessary legal framework for a strong and supportive information and tracing service.  It will ensure that any individual with a question about their origins is empowered to access their own records and is supported with regard to any related needs.

With regard to the criticisms of Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, while I acknowledge the unsatisfactory experiences of some individuals and can understand the associated anger and disappointment, I am of the view that the issue is primarily with the major shortcomings of current law in the area, rather than with the agencies themselves. Therefore, as set out above, I am committed to urgently progressing legislation to provide access to birth and early life information. My Department is also working with both agencies in terms of an implementation plan for the new legislation, assuming that it is passed. In the longer-term, the Government is committed to a central repository of records and a new National Memorial and Records Centre.

Finally, with regard to counselling, Barnardos provides a service for adopted adults and parents. In addition, the National Counselling Service provides a service for individuals who were resident in Mother and Baby Homes or whose births were illegally registered. The proposed Birth Information and Tracing legislation also deals with the provision of supports, including counselling, to adopted persons and parents.