The delivery of Birth Information and Tracing Booklets to all households across Ireland is well underway and is set to be completed in the next three weeks. Thousands of copies of the booklet have already been distributed to people living overseas through Ireland’s network of embassies.

To ensure the widest audience possible information booklets have also been posted to 415 nursing homes, 12 prisons, 215 Citizens Information Offices, 50 homeless charities; 30 Libraries, and 127 Local Health/Primary Care Centres across Ireland.

If you have not yet received your booklet you can download a copy here or request one from the Adoption Authority by emailing corporate@aai.gov.ie or calling + 353 1 2309 300 (Option 5).

Notes to Editors

The Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 provides a clear right for each person to full access to all of his or her birth, early life, care and medical information.

The new law sees the establishment of a robust tracing service and a Contact Preference Register, as well as a range of new bespoke measures to address issues arising for people affected by illegal birth registration.

A broad spectrum of counselling and support is also available on request.

All of these services will be free of charge for applicants.

The Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 is being commenced in a phased way. In July 2022, a new Contact Preference Register, operated by Adoption Authority of Ireland, opened for applications.

This Register empowers people to record their preferences in relation to contact with others and the sharing and receiving of information.

The Act provides that the Contact Preference Register must be open for a minimum period of 3 months before applications for birth certificate and related birth information will be accepted.

In October 2022, Information and Tracing services under the legislation will open. From this time, applications for records can be made to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.