Kenny’s adoption referendum claim ‘does not survive scrutiny’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s claim that a referendum may be needed to give adopted people basic rights has been dismissed as one which "does not survive scrutiny".

Mr Kenny made the claim, which has been previously asserted by former children’s minister Frances Fitzgerald, in the wake of the mother-and-baby homes scandal.

The Government has promised tracing legislation for adopted people since 2011 but has so far failed to publish a heads of bill.