Roderic O'Gorman

The Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 provides a right of access to birth certificates, birth and early life information for all persons who were adopted, boarded out, the subject of an illegal birth registration or who otherwise have questions in relation to their origins.

The first parts of the Act were commenced in July with the establishment of the contact preference register and the accompanying launch of a public information campaign.

The Act provides that the contact preference register must be open for a minimum of three months before applications for birth information can be accepted.

Applications can now be made for access to birth, early life, care and medical information and for tracing services.

Roderic O’Gorman, minister for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, said: “I welcome the opening of applications for birth information and tracing services through the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla.

“I am acutely aware of the long and difficult road so many had to travel to get to this point. I am pleased and thankful though, that the day has arrived where people can with certainty and confidence access what is rightfully theirs.

“I wish to thank all those who campaigned for this change, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Adoption Authority and Tusla in bringing this into operation.”