Earlier today at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children there were several groups representing people who have been adopted, including the Adoption Rights Alliance and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, among others. One issue that came up among all contributors was the lack of progress in respect of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill. This legislation would give people a basic fundamental right, the right to an identity. This legislation was a top priority for the Government upon coming to office. The Government is now in three years in office and we are still awaiting publication of the Bill. Perhaps the Minister could advise the House of the progress of same.

My second question relates to the interdepartmental group which was set up following the report into the Tuam mother and baby home. I presume the Department of Education and Skills is central to that group. The group was to report back to the Government, I understand, at the end of this month - that is, Monday 30 June. Can the Minister confirm whether that report will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday morning?

Deputy Troy will probably be aware that we did not have legal adoption legislation in this country until the early 1950s.

It was 1952.

I am told that because of the Constitution and legal constraints around privacy and access, the right of people who were adopted to trace their birth parents is still being considered, because there are legal implications and difficulties. These have, unfortunately, caused a delay in legislation that we all want to see enacted as quickly as possible.

In respect of Deputy Troy's second question, I will find out whether the relevant report is now ready. As Deputy Troy said, we were due to have it by the end of this month. I am not currently aware of any document that has been brought to my attention in my Department but I will find out and I will write to Deputy Troy directly on the matter.