Review of Incorrect Registration of Birth Records Report : 2 April 2019

Abstract

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (the "Minister") has directed that an analysis of records take place to see if the extent of incorrect registrations of births can be established, through an initial exercise to be overseen independently by an Independent Reviewer (the "Review"). Given the volume of files involved, the Minister has directed that, in the first instance, a targeted sampling exercise be carried out of the records in the possession of the Child and Family Agency (the "CFA"), and the Adoption Authority of Ireland (the "Authority"). Of a total estimate of 150,000 adoption records, the CFA and the Authority hold approximately 100,000 records between them. A large number of existing and former adoption agencies also hold adoption records. This sampling exercise will provide information to assist the Minister to reach a decision about what, if any, subsequent action might be taken to identify more fully the scale of incorrect birth registrations.