59 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether he intends to introduce properly regulated contact arrangements for persons involved in adoption; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23758/96]

The establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for post-adoption contact between birth parents and adopted persons and access to birth records is a priority of the Government. It is my firm intention that the necessary enabling legislation will be brought forward as quickly as possible after a number of legal and constitutional issues, which are currently before the Surpreme Court by way of case stated from the Circuit Court, have been clarified. These legal and constitutional issues will have a direct bearing on the nature and scope of the framework that will be put in place.

In the meantime, I am proceeding with arrangements for the establishment, on an administrative basis, of an adoption contact register to assist adoptees and birth mothers who wish to be put in touch with one another. My Department is currently developing proposals in this regard.