asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange a programme of research into our existing adoption services.
Written Answers. - Adoption Services.
32.
I accept that research in this area is desirable. This was also the view of the Review Committee on Adoption Services, which reported to my predecessor in 1984 and recommended inter alia that the Department of Health should instigate and fund a programme of research particularly into current adoption procedures.
I intend, in the coming months, to study carefully the changes in the present adoption laws proposed by the review committee with a view to introducing appropriate amending legislation. This, in effect, will constitute a significant review of the current procedures. Should the desirability of a detailed specific research project arise, I will be prepared to consider the matter in the light of the limited amount of funds available to my Department for research purposes.
I might add that a number of research projects have already been undertaken in the general area of our children's services. The ESRI is, for instance, at present reviewing aspects of substitute care in relation to the residential services for children.