About Patricia

A passionate, innovative advocate and social change leader

Patricia has over 30 years’ experience as a leader in the not for profit, public service and education sectors.

A Voice for those Affected 

As an adopted person born in a Mother and Baby Institution, Patricia brings a unique perspective and dedication to her work as Special Advocate for Survivors and people affected by historical and recent injustices. 

Since her appointment in March 2024, her priority as Special Advocate for Survivors has been to hear people’s experiences and to build trust within the community she represents. She aims to use the accounts shared with her to amplify and represent Survivor and Affected People’s views to Government.  

Previous Roles

Patricia Carey served as the CEO of the Adoption Authority of Ireland from 2014 to 2022.  During her time as CEO, she led the Authority’s work on the Birth Information and Tracing Act (2022).  Patricia also led the expansion of the Authority from 22 to 65 staff, leading with a model of ‘Service through Excellence’ providing sustainable solutions in all areas of complex adoption work.

Patricia’s other previous roles include Director of Services for St Vincent de Paul Society for 13 years, leading communications, fundraising and capital projects across Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare. Her previous work was with the Traveller community and in education disadvantage settings.

Pro Bono / Volunteer Leadership

Current Roles

• Chairperson, BelongTo – Ireland’s largest LGBTQ+ youth organisation
• Chairperson, Board of Management for her alma mater school Loreto College Crumlin   
• Chairperson, Audit and Risk Committee for the Judicial Council of Ireland   

Previous Roles

• A founding board director of Outhouse – A resource centre for the LGBT+ community 
• Chairperson of Connect Counselling – A support service for Survivors and Persons Affected by institutional abuse