Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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525. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that adoption information applications can be received from people resident in the United States and that the inability of the system to accept US phone numbers will not be a barrier to them lodging an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49456/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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On 3^rdOctober 2022, Information and Tracing services, established under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 opened to applications. The Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Child and Family Agency, Tusla are experiencing a high level of interest in the new services, with a total of 1,898 applications received in the first 24 hours alone.

As can be expected with any new online application service with high volume activity, an early technical challenge was encountered which impacted some international stakeholders seeking access to the Tusla portal. However, necessary technical corrections were made immediately and the issue was resolved by the afternoon of the 3^rdOctober, i.e. that same day. In addition, Tusla apologised to the persons affected and directly followed up with as many of them as possible to ensure that they could subsequently submit their online applications.

My Department also engaged with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that relevant embassies and consulates were aware of the issue and able to assist any persons seeking their support.

I am satisfied that the issue was adequately addressed and resolved, and that people in other jurisdictions are able to make applications through the portal.