The Cabinet has signed off on proposed new laws giving adopted people the right to access their birth certificate.
Ministers meeting at Lissadell House in Co Sligo supported the measure - which will operate retrospectively, and apply to future adoptions.
As it stands, adoptees are often blocked from accessing certificates carrying their birth parents’ names because of legal and constitutional reasons.
Tánaiste Joan Burton - who has previously spoken about her own experience of adoption - says it is a major change:
Stakeholders are hoping the legislation is enacted before the general election, which cannot be held any later than April 9th.
After the legislation is enacted it is expected that 12 month consultation period will be held.
You can read more about the Adoption Information and Tracing Bill here.
The Tánaiste spoke to Pat Kenny earlier about the adoption legislation, as well as defending her party's record in Government. You can listen back here.
