I move amendment No. 14: In page 12, line 27, to delete "genetic".

Amendment No. 14 deletes the provision that in the definition of a provided item, that an item, including a letter, photograph, memento, document or object held by a relevant person that was provided, whether to the agency, authority or any other person, may be provided to a person who only falls within the definition if it is from a parent or genetic relative. Specifically by deletion of the word "genetic", the items we talked about - the letter, photograph, memento or other object that may be of great sentimental…

I recognise that the definition was somewhat expanded following the Dáil debate. I do not know that I share the confidence of the Minister's assertion. A person involved in caring for a relevant person and a person involved in the provision of care of a relevant person are quite different. Using the example I referenced earlier of the aunt by marriage, who may not be involved in the provision of care, but who cares for the relevant person. It is a slightly different thing. They are small nuances, but it is not quit…

I move amendment No. 16: In page 13, line 23, to delete “genetic”.

I move amendment No. 17: In page 13, line 23, after “genetic” to insert “or other qualifying”.

I move amendment No. 18: In page 13, line 24, to delete “genetic”.

I move amendment No. 19: In page 13, line 24, after “genetic” to insert “or other qualifying”.

I move amendment No. 20: In page 13, line 28, to delete “genetic”.

I move amendment No. 22: In page 14, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: “(j) a religious order as deemed relevant by the Minister;”.

This amendment aims to ensure that relevant religious orders would be included in the list of secondary sources. This is again about the definitions of what might constitute a secondary source under the legislation. The current list of secondary sources includes registered adoption societies or accredited bodies, but we know that many religious orders played a key role in the facilitation of adoptions. Indeed, when we look at some of the other issues we have discussed, such as, for example, vaccine trials, and some…

I thank the Minister. I am glad those flexibilities have been built in. I would like the Bill to be stronger and have flexibility, but I recognise that at least the capacity is there within the flexibilities to strengthen things. I will add that in addition to the ongoing mechanisms, and engagement with stakeholders and others over the next period, that myself and others in the Oireachtas will also want to know what patterns have emerged and how things have moved. I am sure the Minister will be willing to engage wi…

I move amendment No. 24: In page 14, line 13, after “incorrect” to insert “or illegal”.

I move amendment No. 25: In page 14, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “(3) For the purposes of this Act, references to “incorrect birth registration” shall be construed to include illegal birth registrations.”.

I move amendment No. 26: In page 14, line 36, to delete “in respect of which” and substitute “regardless of whether”.

This amendment relates to the provision for any additional institutions in the Schedule in the context of relevant institutions. I have a concern I indicated to the Minister, which is that the Bill at present provides that the Minister may: "provide for the insertion in the schedule of any institution that was established or operated for the purpose of providing care to children in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body has or had a regulatory or inspection function." Again, I…

I thank the Minister for his answer. He is right, in that including a Schedule that could be expanded was a step forward. There was considerable frustration about which institutions were being examined or reviewed. We recall the battle fought by those who had been in Bethany Home to get acknowledgment from the State of their experience and to have their circumstances examined properly. I acknowledge the Schedule and the fact that it can be expanded to deal with other circumstances, which is a step forward. In light…

I move amendment No. 27: In page 15, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following: “(5) Where no birth information is available, the Authority shall, in so far as practicable, provide the relevant person with a written statement which explains the absence of information within its possession in respect of their adoption and/or illegal birth registration, and provide information to the relevant person regarding the recourse and supports available to them in locating and interpreting this information.”.

This inserts a new subsection on circumstances in which persons have sought birth information but that information is not made available to them on request. Under the Bill, where a relevant body receives an application seeking a birth certificate but it does not hold that certificate, it would in writing and without delay inform the applicant of that fact. My amendment No. 27 would slightly expand that. One must imagine the physical experience of being written back to and told "We do not have your birth certificate…

There are two pieces, as the Minister has said. There is a piece around what happened and why the information is not there, and there is the piece around what happens next for the individual. I believe that what happens next for the individual is probably the most important part. I acknowledge that the Minister has at least given one route forward for the individual who receives that letter, with regard to the contact register and the tracing services. This is a very positive measure. With regard to the other part …

I move amendment No. 29: In page 25, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following: “Information relating to contact preference 17. In every case where an applicant is provided under this Act with a birth certificate or copy of the records that contain the birth information to which the application relates, or with a statement setting out the birth information contained in those records, the Authority shall send to the applicant, by prepaid registered post or other recorded delivery, a statement by the Authority…