Adoption

Over 12,900 applications have been completed under the Birth Information and Tracing Act since services commenced, with all applications now being processed within the statutory timeframes, according to a new report. The second annual report on the implementation of the government's action plan for

Northern Ireland’s High Court has upheld an order freeing twin girls for adoption despite their mother’s contention that her aunt was a suitable kinship carer in light of her ability to accommodate the twins’ mixed racial and cultural background. Delivering judgment for the High Co

The High Court granted orders pursuant to s.92 of the Adoption Act 2010 facilitating the registration of the adoptions of two Russian boys on the Register of Intercountry Adoptions despite non-compliance of the adoptions with The Hague Convention. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Mr Justice J

Birth information and tracing services established under new landmark legislation are now available. 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

Information and tracing services under new landmark legislation will become available in three weeks' time, the government has announced. 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, bo

The Adoption Authority for Ireland has invited adopted people and parents to register their preferences in relation to contact following the commencement of new legislation. The first provisions of the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 were commenced today after it was signed into law by the pr

The High Court has criticised the wording of the Adoption Act 2010, stating that the terms used “needlessly hurt the feelings of people” involved in the adoption process. The comments came as the court was ruling on an adoption application for a child who had been in foster care since he

The Irish government has formally apologised to people affected by illegal birth registration. Roderic O'Gorman, the minister for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, placed the apology on the Oireachtas record as the Birth Information and Tracing Bill reached the Seanad yesterday.

A bill to modernise the legal framework for adoption in Northern Ireland has completed its final legislative stage. The Adoption and Children Bill will bring Northern Ireland in line with changes that were introduced in England and Wales in 2002 and in Scotland in 2007.

Proposed legislation which will provide a right of access to birth certificates, birth and early life information for people who have questions about their origins has been published. The Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 will give new rights to people who were adopted, boarded out, the subjec

Legislation to enhance and update the legal framework for adoption will be introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly after the summer recess. The Adoption and Children Bill aims to remove unnecessary delay and uncertainty for children by bringing Northern Ireland in line with the changes made in t

Adopted people will gain the legal right to access their birth certificates under proposed new government legislation. Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman yesterday published the general scheme of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill, which will enshrine in law a right to access birth and early l

Dr David Kenny, assistant professor of law at Trinity College Dublin, argues the government's legal advice on the rights of adopted children is flawed and a referendum on the matter is not needed. As the country comes to grips with the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission and reckons yet a

Parents are set to be given an additional three weeks of paid parent's leave under plans agreed by ministers yesterday. New legislation to be introduced next year will expand the current entitlement for two weeks of paid parent's leave under the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019.

Family law solicitor Orlaith Traynor has been appointed as chairperson of the Board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Ms Traynor's appointment was announced by Children's Minister Dr Roderic O'Gorman following a public appointments process.