If you were adopted, boarded out, or born in a Mother and Baby Home, a new opportunity to share your experience is now open. The latest update linked to the Birth Information and Tracing Act invites people across Ireland to take part in an anonymous survey that could help shape how these important services work in the future.
The survey is aimed at people who have used, considered using, or were unable to use Birth Information and Tracing Services provided by Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Commissioned by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the feedback process is designed to gather real experiences from those directly affected.
Birth Information survey now open in Ireland
Under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, eligible people may have the right to access deeply important personal records and background details. This includes information that can help individuals better understand their identity, family history, and early life circumstances.
You may be entitled to request:
- Your birth certificate
- Information about your birth, early life, and care
- Details about your own medical history
- Relevant medical history of a genetic relative
- Registration on the Adoption Authority’s Contact Preference Register
For many people, access to birth information is more than an administrative matter. It can be a significant step in understanding personal identity, reconnecting family links, and accessing health-related background information.
Who should take part
The anonymous survey is open to people with experience of the services operated by Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland. It is also relevant for anyone who wanted to use the service but did not proceed. The goal is to capture both direct service experiences and barriers that may have prevented people from engaging.
The questionnaire takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and respondents can skip any questions they do not wish to answer.
Read more: Ireland public services digital access update | Irish government family records and public information services
Why this Birth Information feedback matters
This consultation is significant because it gives affected individuals a chance to influence how support systems are delivered in practice. While gov.ie, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and wider public bodies continue improving access to citizen services, feedback on birth information and tracing remains especially sensitive and important.
Agencies such as Tusla, the Citizens Information Board, and departments across Health, Social Protection, and Justice often play a role in helping people navigate complex personal record systems. Public engagement of this kind also reflects broader efforts across Ireland’s public sector to improve transparency, accessibility, and service standards.
Although this survey is specifically connected to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, it sits within a wider ecosystem of State bodies including the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), and other organisations listed on gov.ie that support public-facing information and rights-based services.
Survey deadline and key details
If you plan to take part, the closing date is Friday, 24 July 2026. Because the survey is anonymous, people can share their views with added privacy while helping inform future service delivery.
Key points to know:
- The survey is anonymous
- It is commissioned by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- It takes around 10 to 30 minutes
- Participation is voluntary
- You may skip questions at any time
Explore more: Ireland adoption records rights and family history guide | Irish citizens information support services explained
How to learn more about Birth Information and tracing
People seeking birth information can also look into official guidance on tracing a birth family and understanding available records. Support information is typically made available through public information channels, including Citizens Information and related State services.
For anyone affected, this is a meaningful chance to be heard. If the Birth Information and Tracing Act has impacted you in any way, completing the survey could help improve access, communication, and support for others in the future.
In short, the Birth Information survey is not just about policy review—it is about lived experience, personal rights, and giving people in Ireland a stronger voice in how tracing services are delivered.
Article/Image Courtesy: Citizens Information
