Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

611. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review the legislation around the release of birth certificate information to any member of the general public, and the potential abuse of this information that could occur, such as the divulging of personal details to abusive third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38746/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under Section 61 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended, a person who has knowledge of the particulars of birth may apply to either the General Register Office, or to a Civil Registration Office for a birth certificate in respect of a person born in the State. A prescribed fee is payable in advance of any certificate issuing. This availability of certificates is a longstanding feature of civil registration law and is there to ensure that public interests are met including, inter alia, the right to a child to biological information.

There is no general exemption or provision to withhold the issuing of a certificate for a standard birth registration when the prescribed requirements have been fulfilled.

However my Officials would be happy to engage with you further on the matter if there are particular circumstances you may be concerned with.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.