A new public survey has opened to gather first-hand feedback on how Ireland’s birth information and tracing services are working in practice. Published through gov.ie, the initiative marks an important step in reviewing the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 and how it supports adopted people, those affected by illegal birth registration, and people linked to Mother and Baby Homes or County Homes.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said people who have used these services are best placed to explain what is effective and what needs improvement. The review focuses on access, tracing, and contact preference services that have been operating for more than three years.
How the gov.ie survey supports the review
The new gov.ie survey is part of a statutory review required under Section 70 of the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022. The law says a review must begin within two years of the Act coming into force, ensuring that public services remain accountable and responsive.
The survey covers all core services established under the Act, including:
- Access to birth certificates and early life records
- The statutory tracing service for locating birth relatives
- The Contact Preference Register for recording wishes around contact
The process is being carried out by Quality Matters, an independent social research charity. In addition to the online questionnaire, the review will include interviews with service users and consultation with service providers such as Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland.
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Key figures behind the gov.ie services
Since launch, the services reviewed on gov.ie have seen significant public engagement. According to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality:
- More than 18,100 applications for birth and early life information have been completed
- Over 9,500 applications were made to the tracing service
- More than 4,400 people recorded their wishes on the Contact Preference Register
Those figures show both the scale of unmet need and the importance of maintaining effective systems across the wider public sector. While this review is centered on Children/Disability/Equality, it also reflects how Irish public administration works across agencies including Tusla, Health, Social Protection and related bodies listed through gov.ie.
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Who can take part and what to expect
The online questionnaire is open from 10 June 2026 and closes at 5pm on 10 July 2026. It is anonymous, voluntary, and takes roughly 10 to 30 minutes to complete. People who have direct experience of the Act’s services are encouraged to participate.
The review is being guided by a Service Users Advisory Group and overseen by a Steering Group involving the department, the General Register Office, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, Tusla, Barnardos Ireland, and other stakeholders. This structure is designed to ensure that lived experience is considered alongside policy and operational input.
Not every part of the legislation is included. The review does not cover Parts 8 and 9 of the Act, which relate to changes in succession and civil registration law.
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Why the gov.ie consultation matters
This gov.ie consultation matters because it gives affected individuals a direct role in shaping how sensitive public services evolve. It also highlights the growing emphasis on user-informed policymaking across Irish institutions, from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Citizens Information Board to oversight bodies that support better service delivery.
The clearest takeaway is simple: if you have used these services, your experience can help improve them. As the gov.ie review moves forward, public input will be central to making the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 work as effectively and compassionately as possible.
