Make a Data Subject Access Request
The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is an autonomous statutory body with a mandate to regulate adoption and safekeep adoption and historic care arrangement records in Ireland. In carrying out its statutory functions and activities, the AAI engages with and handles personal data relating to various different external parties and individuals.
The AAI has a “General Privacy Policy” in place which outlines the way we gather information, how we might use that information, the circumstances we may disclose it and how we manage personal information.
Any individual can apply for copies of their own personal data, where it exists, held by the Adoption Authority by completing the application form below.
The information available will vary from person to person, depending on the type, quality and number of records held by the Adoption Authority. For some, this could mean there are detailed records available, while unfortunately for others, there may be little or no information available.
If you are:
• A birth mother or birth father, or
• An adoptive mother or an adoptive father
it is recommended to apply for copies of personal data by means of a data subject access request, as birth and adoptive parents are not eligible to apply for records under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022.
Step-by-step guide to Making a Data Subject Access Request
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1 Gather the required documents
We accept most photographic and legal documents as proof of identity. Before we can give you the personal information we might have, we need a verified copy of one of the following:
- Current Irish driving licence
- National Age Card
- Passport
- Public Service Card
Important: The copy of the identification you use should be verified (stamped). This means that before you send us a copy of your identification, you need to get the copy stamped by:
- Your local Garda or police station (free), or
- A solicitor or commissioner for oaths (they may charge a fee).
When we get this verified copy of your identity, we can start to work on your specific request for data.
Please note, if you do not have any of the above identification. You can call to your local Garda station with a recent photograph and they will help you complete a form called ML10. We can accept this form as proof of identity when you send it to us. We will assist you as much as possible to meet the requirements of our identification procedure.
We will check your photo identification document to verify your identity. Once we are satisfied that you are who you say you are, we will destroy the copy of your identification document.
We will then proceed to process your application and locate any records we hold about you.
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2 Complete and submit an application form
- Complete the online application form which you can find below.
- Attach your certified identification documents and any other supporting documents required.
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3 Acknowledgement of application
When you have made a request for personal information, a staff member from the Adoption Authority will acknowledge your correspondence/request.
They will tell you what is happening and how long it will take to get your information. You are entitled to a response within 30 days (or within 90 days when requests are numerous or complex).
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4 Records are released
Copies of all the records containing personal data relevant to you, will be released.
The information available will vary from person to person, depending on the type, quality and number of records held by the Adoption Authority.
For some, this could mean there are detailed records available, while unfortunately for others, there may be little or no information available.
Most people will receive their information within one month, but in some cases, it may take up to three months. If your application is complex and thus requires up to three months to complete you will be notified.
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5 Appeal a decision (if required)
Once your application has been processed, you can request that your application be reviewed by the Data Protection Commission (DPC), please see below contact details:
Data Protection Commission
6 Pembroke Row
Dublin
D02 X963
IrelandTel: 01-7650100 / 1800-437737
Apply by post
If it is easier for you to complete a hardcopy form, you can contact us at 01 2309 300 (option 6) to ask us to post you a copy of the Data Subject Access Request application form.