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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Adoption tracing legislation

Summary

Robert Troy asks when legislation will give people affected by forced adoption access to identity information, alongside another legislative query. The Taoiseach promises an updated information note, expected that day or the next.

I wish to raise two issues. The international spotlight is back on Ireland and, indeed, some notable thinkers in our community this week raised the issue of the 60,000 Irish people who went through forced adoptions and are seeking to find their original identities. This can only be described as a fundamental right. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has promised for three years to introduce the adoption (tracing and information) Bill. When can we expect the Bill to come before the House?

Second, in light of the decision by the Minister of State with responsibility for planning, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to invoke section 31 of the Planning and Development Act and reject the proposal of the democratically elected members of Westmeath County Council in respect of wind energy policy on the grounds that it is contrary to the national guidelines, when will we find out what the national guidelines are so we can formulate a plan in that regard? There is great anxiety, worry and fear among the community in Westmeath about this issue. People are hearing one thing from the Government parties in the House and something totally different from members of the same parties on the council in Westmeath.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

They are due to be produced around now. There have been some discussions in the Oireachtas committee this week, along with a number of presentations about wind energy. I will advise Deputy Troy on the current position regarding the publication of the guidelines.

I had a briefing yesterday from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, about the problems associated with the adoption issue. I have asked the Minister to circulate an up-to-date information note on this to all Members of the House. It is not as clear or as simple as one might think. There are complex legal and constitutional issues involved. The Minister is attempting to do the best she can on the matter.

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When will we receive the report?

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

It will be either today or tomorrow.

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