Minute from Seán Kennan to Thomas V. Commins (Dublin)

Please see letter across from Charles Murphy, Solicitor,¹ to Mr. Fay about adoption.

I have been unable to trace the earlier correspondence referred to but in any event it probably does not affect the present question.

Mr. Murphy’s question is whether we have any knowledge as to the truth or otherwise of a suggestion, which he says has been made, that the Government does not greatly favour sending children to America for adoption. I am not aware of the source of the suggestion nor is Mr. Ward² of the Department of Justice with whom I discussed the matter. Mr. Ward informed me that his Minister³ favoured the sending of children to America for adoption in suitable homes where the alternative would be life in an Institution in this country. Mr. Ward emphasised, however, that the Minister had not stated that view publicly.

As far as this Department is concerned I think we should be very cautious indeed in committing ourselves one way or the other on questions of this kind. I say that because, firstly, I am not aware that the Government has ever indicated a line of policy on the question; and secondly, this Department has no function in relation to adoptions other than to consider applications for passports when they are submitted to us on behalf of children going to America for adoption. I think, therefore, that our answer to the present question should merely take the form of a statement of our functions in the matter. A draft letter accordingly is submitted across.⁴