Birth Information & Tracing System FAQs

The Frequently Asked Questions below have been compiled by the Clann Project from email queries that have been submitted to Tusla and the Adoption Authority. 

WHERE TO APPLY

Q: Do I still need to apply under GDPR now that there’s a new system?

A: For several reasons (including those set out here and below) we strongly recommend that you apply under GDPR as well as the new system. Click here for further information.

Q: I understand that the new system is experiencing delays, will I cause further delays if I apply under GDPR also?

A: No. It is our understanding that (in Tusla at least) GDPR applications and applications under the new system are dealt with separately, so you will not cause any delay either to your own application or to another person’s by applying under GDPR.

issues relating to the tusla portal

Q: I am having an issue with the Tusla portal, what can I do?

A: If you are experiencing issues with the Tusla portal, email portalsupport@tusla.ie. If you do not receive a response, email birthinfo@tusla.ie.

30-day time limit to download records from the tusla portal

Q: If I miss the notification from Tusla telling me that my records are available on the portal and the 30 days have passed, can I ask for them to be made available to me again without having to restart the application process? 

A: Yes, contact Tusla at bitinfodne@tusla.ie and they will make the records available to you again.

Q: If I lose my records (e.g., due to a computer crash), can I ask for them to be made available to me again without having to restart the application process? 

A: Yes, contact Tusla at bitinfodne@tusla.ie and they will make the records available to you again.

printed copies of records

Q: I opted to receive my records online, can I obtain a printed copy?

A: Yes, you can email bitinfodne@tusla.ie or records@aai.gov.ie and request a printed copy of your records.

faqs relating to categories of information

Q: Where can I see information in relation to my siblings?

A: In some instances information relating to siblings is contained within your records, however, sometimes the information is provided in the cover letter, so please ensure that you read all documentation that is provided to you.

Q: Will I receive records relating to previous tracing and information queries?

 

A: Not necessarily. We strongly advise that you apply under GDPR as well as the new system. Click here for further information.

four week deadline for reviews

Q: Do I need to apply for a review of my application within four weeks?

A: No, Tusla have changed this policy and the timeframe is now open ended. (See below for further information.)

withheld or redacted records

Q: How can I ascertain if I have received all of my records?
 
A: You can use your GDPR schedule to check what records have been withheld from you. 
 
Q: I believe that records have been wrongfully withheld from me, what can I do?
 
A: If you believe that records have been wrongfully withheld from you, in the first instance you should contact the AAI/Tusla information officer (i.e. the person who sent you your records). Explain what records have been withheld from you and tell them that in your view these records are covered under the legislation because they are an integral part of your origin story. You can use the legislation and the related guidelines to help you make your case. For example, the guidelines state that the following categories of information are available under the new system:
 
‘Information on any medical treatments, procedures or vaccinations.’
This includes but is not limited to medical records and information on the file from the period after you were placed for adoption.
 
‘Information on their health, physical or emotional development.’
This includes but is not limited to social work visits once you were placed and any relevant assessments.
 
‘Information on whether arrangements were made for an adoption, including the name of the person who made the arrangement.’
This includes but is not limited to social work visits, assessments, applications for adoption, file notes, including file notes around why you were matched with your particular family.
 
Q: I believe that some of my records have been wrongfully redacted, what can I do?
 
A: Again, if you believe that some of your records have been wrongfully redacted, in the first instance you should contact the AAI/Tusla information officer and explain the situation to them. If the description of the record on the GDPR schedule is not clear enough you can ask your information officer to provide a more detailed description (please ensure to give them the page number).
 
Q: I have spoken with my information officer and I am not happy with the outcome, what can I do?
 
A: If you are unhappy with the outcome of your informal communications with your information officer, the following options are open to you. In the case of Tusla you should submit a formal request for a review of your application. In the case of the Adoption Authority, visit this link and follow the Authority’s complaints procedure.
 
Q: I am unhappy with the outcome of my formal review/complaint, what can I do?
 
A: You can make an appeal to the Office of the Ombudsman at the following link: https://www.ombudsman.ie/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint/