Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
An audit was undertaken in 2010 related to records retained by the Authority of contact
received from persons who have been told and/or believe themselves to be adopted, in respect
of whom, no adoption record exists. This indicated that 99 people who have identified themselves
as adopted do not have a corresponding adoption file. Around 50% of these relate to
so-called “adoptions” prior to the introduction of the statutory adoption regime under the
Adoption Act, 1952 (which was commenced on 1 January, 1953). This work has continued
following the commencement of the Adoption Act 2010 — as these queries continue to arise.
The Authority has indicated its intention to undertake further work to explore the full extent
of the issue. The Board of the Authority will then consider possible next steps to contribute to
an understanding of the issue including the provision of advice to me on the issue. It is
important to note that the Authority has no statutory responsibility in respect of the matter
but is extremely sensitive to the issue. Notwithstanding that, it should be noted that, in a
number of individual cases, where the facts have been available to the Board or the Authority,
it has advised the appropriate authorities in respect of any activities which it believed contravened
the Adoption Act(s) for the relevant period.
The drafting of legislation with regard to Information and Tracing is one of my top priorities.
Work is underway in relation to the preparation of the Bill, in consultation with the Adoption
Authority, to provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to information
and contact for those affected by adoption. It is intended that the Adoption (Information and
Tracing) Bill will provide for the Adoption Authority to have access to records currently held
by a wide range of Information Services, give the Authority an oversight role with regard to
the maintenance of adoption records and place the National Contact Preference Register on a
statutory basis. The Bill will also provide for proactive tracing and reunion services by appropriate
bodies for adopted adults, birth mothers and birth families, with the Adoption Authority
having the overarching responsibility for the service. I intend to take this legislation through
the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 98.
Departmental Staff
106. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an organisational
chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department. [7746/12]
The Taoiseach: A copy of my Department’s organisation chart is as follows. It is also available
on my Department’s website — www.taoiseach.gov.ie.
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