A new State register has been launched to help adopted people make contact with their natural parents and families.
Organisations involved with both parents and adopted people have welcomed the new facility which was launched today by the Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan.
About 47,000 thousand people are adopted in this country. This new register will give them and their natural families the opportunity to specify what level of contact they want.
They can declare whether they want to meet face to face, or communicate by letter, email or telephone. If either side does not wish to make contact they can also register that decision.
The resource can also help people share specific information - such as medical history without making direct contact.
People over the age of 18 can join the confidential register by completing application forms which will be delivered to every home in the country from 11 April. They will also be available on the Adoption Board's website www.adoptionboard.ie from that date.
