Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Daly has identified the question of the possibility of carrying out a full audit of the records. I have been advised by Tusla that the records of Saint Patrick’s Guild Adoption Society transferred to Tusla on 25 May 2016. The records transferred include details of adoption and fostering arrangements of children from 1910 onwards. Tusla received in excess of 13,000 records from Saint Patrick’s Guild, which Tusla has advised are well maintained and in good physical condition.

Tusla has established a dedicated team which is reviewing and cataloguing the files so that Tusla can provide an information and tracing service for anyone whose information was held by Saint Patrick’s Guild. Tusla does not propose to undertake a full audit of these files at this time, but the agency will respond to requests from adopted persons who are seeking information. It is important that birth parents, adopted persons and relatives who are seeking either information on or contact with persons with whom they were separated from as a result of the adoption, or both, are provided with a service as soon as possible.

Saint Patrick’s Guild was established in 1910 by the Sisters of Charity and is, historically, one of the largest agencies in the country involved in the facilitation of the placement of children for adoption. The guild was an accredited agency under the Adoption Acts 1952 and 2010 for the provision of information and tracing service. The guild advised the Adoption Authority of Ireland of its intention to cease operations from 31 December 2014. Tusla was in discussions with Saint Patrick’s Guild regarding finances, legal issues and logistics for a period of time before the transfer of records could be completed.

Saint Patrick’s Guild has maintained a waiting list of applications from persons seeking information and contact. This information has also been forwarded to Tusla. Tusla will be contacting everyone who has submitted an information and tracing request in respect of the adoption records of Saint Patrick’s Guild, with a response to their request as soon as possible.

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