Mixed reaction to laws on adoption tracing

Adopted people and natural mothers have given a mixed reaction to new legislation granting them basic information and tracing rights.

Under the Adoption Bill, adopted people will, for the first time, have a statutory entitlement to their birth certificate.

A new adoption contact register will be placed on a statutory basis and operated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and adopted people and birth parents will be asked to register. However, parents can avoid registration or declare a “no contact” preference.