Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, today launched the Adoption Authority of Ireland's 2022-2024 Strategic Plan - it is the blueprint for AAI to continue to provide the highest possible standard of adoption services in Ireland.

Minister O'Gorman, in launching the report, recognised the AAI's far-reaching plans for adoption, particularly in the area of Information and Tracing, and acknowledges AAI's commitment in the strategy to maintaining and developing current services and operations while preparing for the implementation of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022. This landmark legislation will, on enactment, give adopted people their original birth certificates and crucial early life and medical information.

The Minister said, "The Plan will guide the AAI's mission to ensure the provision of the highest possible standards of adoption related services, throughout the lifelong adoption process, with the best interest of children as the first and paramount objective.'

Chairperson Orlaith Traynor highlights AAI's role 'To be recognised as the centre of excellence and principal authoritative source of information on all aspects of adoption and as a provider and regulator of high quality adoption services.'

Minister O'Gorman said the AAI engaged closely with many stakeholders via consultations and workshops to analyse the AAI's performance and to identify key priorities for the next three years.

The priorities are

• Keeping the child as the foremost priority and pursuing children's best interests in all adoption cases;
• Achieving the highest standards of adoption services;
• Upholding robust governance and supportive stakeholder relationships; and
• Fostering a culture of innovation and research

Commenting on the AAI's focus for the 2022-2024, Patricia Carey, Chief Executive, said

'Within the next three years AAI will further enhance communication to the public and those involved in the adoption processes to encourage awareness and understanding around adoption matters. The implementation of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill will bring additional challenges, as well as strong opportunities. We will ensure that our staff feel supported and will continue to develop a culture where all staff and stakeholders are empowered to contribute towards the success of the Authority.'