At Home and Abroad

The Birth Information and Tracing Bill  is a landmark piece of legislation, whereby for the first time those adopted will be able to access their birth certificate and other early life information from October 2022.  In addition, the legislation will establish a new statutory Contact Preference Register which will be held by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI).  This  offers a means for people to register their preference for contact with family. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recognise that there is a lack of awareness around this legislation, particularly for those living outside Ireland and are keen to have the broadest possible reach.  Just to note that, while both parents and children can establish a no contact preference on this register, this legislation means that this information will be released to relevant individuals, therefore it is very important that those living abroad know of this development in advance of birth information being released from October.   Patricia Carey, the CEO of the Adoption Authority of Ireland