Illegal registrations of babies: Earlier reports were ignored

The credibility of public administration has been undermined by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) assertion that 126 cases of the illegal registration of babies brought to light last month “represents the first time” evidence had been established with a high level of certainty. That the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) reported at least one case to the DPP and gardaí 16 years ago challenges that DCYA statement in a worrying way.

The AAI said: “The Authority notified the DPP in 2002, and An Garda Síochána in 2003, of a case of an alleged illegal birth registration. The authority was notified... in 2003 that no further action would be taken.” That seems conclusive and raises the usual questions about regulation and the application of the law in this Republic, especially as the AAI says that 2002 referral was not the only one it made.