Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

944. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that he did not provide the Adoption Authority of Ireland with adequate resources in order to respond to all applications for early life information within the statutory timeframe; if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); the steps that he will take to ensure that they are provided with their information in a timely manner; and the steps that he intends to take to ensure that all applications are processed in line with statutory requirements. [63303/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Officials from my Department have been engaging with both the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) and the Child and Family Agency, Tusla in respect of the ongoing implementation of services under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022.

Information and Tracing services, as provided for under the Act, opened to applications on 03 October 2022. As of 12 December, a total of 5,956 applications for information have been received by Tusla and the AAI, with over two thirds of that total being received within two weeks of commencement. These applications are in addition to the 2,652 applications made for tracing services since 03 October, and 2,934 preferences registered to the Contact Preference Register since it opened on 01 July.

Processing the initial volume of information requests, reflecting decades of pent-up and increasing demand, is proving to be a challenge. As of Monday 12 December, the two agencies have processed and issued over 800 requests for information, with more due for completion and issue each day.

In addition to Information and Tracing services, applications are continuing to be made to the Contact Preference Register, and the AAI has successfully identified 196 matches for relatives for whom they are facilitating contact.

An additional €1.05m was provided to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and additional funding of €3m was provided to Tusla Adoption Services. These additional resources were to fund additional posts this year, including genealogical and archival expertise and support, as well as run a public information campaign on the legislation. 

As Minister I cannot intervene in an individual case. However, I am deeply aware of 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 both agencies are doing their utmost to respond to all the applications received within the shortest possible timeframe. I have also been advised that they are re-assigning additional staff members to work exclusively on processing applications and that they will continue to keep every person who is waiting for information informed about their application.