Yesterday I raised the issue of Thalidomide victims and the promise in programme for Government to act on that matter during the Topical Issue debate. Another issue similar to that has emerged in recent years as a result of the reports on the Magdalen laundries and other residential institutions - illegal adoptions. The Australian Government today apologised to those who were illegally adopted in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Does the Government intend to establish an inquiry to look into that practice, which happened in this State as well as in Australia and Britain? Is legislation needed to address the falsification of adoption records in some State institutions, including hospitals?

There is no promised legislation in this area. I do not have any expertise in this area but I will ask the relevant Minister to reply to Deputy Ó Snodaigh directly.