Sir, - We would like to congratulate Anne Dempsey and Cherish for the article "When `Dad' is not Dad" (The Irish Times, January 17th). Treoir fully supports the sentiments expressed in the article about children's rights to know the truth about their identity. We are conscious that there is a dearth of information on this very significant issue.
It may be of interest to your readers to know that Treoir has published a leaflet called "StepParent Adoption - information for those considering family adoption". This deals in part with the issue of severing links with a child's birth father and extended family. It is available from the address below, free of charge (30p postage).
"Family Links - Steps and Stages" gives positive pointers for lone parents who are helping their children to understand their family situation. Published by Treoir in 1994, it is being updated and will be published later in the year. - Yours, etc.,
Margaret Dromey, Treoir, Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6.