Government plans Bill to allow publication of abuse reports

THE Government is preparing a Bill enabling the publication of reports of inquiries into child abuse and related issues.

The Inspectorate of Social Services/Inquiries Bill, which also establishes an inspectorate on a statutory basis, forms part of the Government's legislative programme published by the Chief Whip, Mr Jim Higgins, last night.

A Bill to provide for the establishment of a contact register to facilitate adopted persons and their birth parents in making contact is also being prepared.

Other new Bills, proposing to convert the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds into a semi state body, to end imprisonment where practicable for civil debt and inability to pay fines, and to provide for the supervision of foreign trusts referred to in Section 49 of the Finance Act, 1993, are listed on the programme.

The wording of the referendum on bail, accompanied by on outline bail Bill, are listed to the Dail session opening next Wednesday. But the proposed amendments to the Constitution to give votes to emigrants and to relax the rule on Cabinet confidentiality are still among the list of "promised legislation".

Bills to remove gender inequalities in birth certificates and to provide for freedom of information about Government records are among the 16 pieces of legislation listed for publication between now and Christmas.