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Adoption Records Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019

Thursday, 11 July 2019

Questions (835)

Michael McGrath

Question:

835. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an adopted person who already has confirmation of the identity of their birth mother, now deceased, is entitled to information relating to their date of birth and location of birth; the location the person should go to obtain this information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30621/19]

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Written answers

Tusla - the Child and Family Agency offers an information and tracing service for adopted and other relevant persons in various locations throughout the country. This service is at no cost to the applicant. More information can be found at www.tusla.ie/services/alternative-care/adoption-services/tracing-service/

Under the GDPR and Data Protection legislation an individual can ask a data controller for any of the personal data held by them. However, I am aware that there can be constraints on the release of data even where a person is deceased. The Deputy may be interested to know that the Adoption (Information & Tracing) Bill, 2016 addresses this issue and explicit provision is made for the release of information to an adopted person, where a birth parent is deceased. The Bill is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann and I have embarked on further consultations with Members of the Oireachtas and with stakeholder groups, to seek to reach a consensus which will allow the legislation to progress. Pending the outcome of these engagements, I hope to be in a position to bring the Bill back to Seanad Éireann in the autumn.

Further to this the Deputy may wish to contact the General Register Office (GRO), under the aegis of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, who may be able to help individuals with finding the type of information listed above.

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