Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
423. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if birth information requested from Tusla since October 2022 will be released and acknowledgments made to applicants for the distress caused by the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6518/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation and tracing services under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 opened to applications on 03 October 2022. As of Tuesday 07 February 3,971 applications for information have been received by Tusla, and 936 cases have been completed, with more people receiving their information every day.
Tusla are actively engaging with those affected by delays and expects to clear the backlog of applications received by July 2023. However, many applicants will receive their information sooner.
As Minister, I am deeply conscious of both the disappointment and frustration caused to applicants receiving a notification indicating that there will be a delay in the compilation and release of their information. I have been assured that Tusla are doing their utmost to respond to all the applications received within the shortest possible timeframe, and are re-assigning additional staff members to work exclusively on processing applications. They will continue to keep every person who is waiting for information informed about their application.
