Press Release: Special Rapporteur Report on Illegal Birth Registration

The Adoption Authority welcomes Professor O’Mahony’s report and the recommendation for a State Apology for those whose births were illegally registered.

The Authority holds over 100,000 adoption files and records and welcomes the recommendation that the Authority will receive further records and files, including privately held records. It is critical that all adoption files and records are brought together, preserved, digitised, scanned and accessible.

CEO Patricia Carey said, “This report highlights the considerable work required and which the Authority is committed to, in order to support those whose births were illegally registered and all those adoptees seeking their own information”.

The Authority recognises the Right to Identity as paramount for all adoptees in Ireland and is committed to the measures within the Birth Information and Tracing Bill to release all birth and early life information.

The Authority believes it is critical that the truth is now told in respect of all parties in Ireland affected by Adoption. This report signals a new and open approach to the provision of information and supports.