I understand the anxiety of persons wishing to adopt a child abroad to have an early assessment of their suitability carried out by the health boards. I am generally satisfied that the boards are responding as expeditiously as possible to requests for assessments, bearing in mind the competing demands for services, particularly in relation to the investigation of child abuse cases which, as the Deputies will appreciate, must take priority over all other work in the child care area.
I am aware that prospective adopting parents living in the Eastern Health Board area are experiencing some delays in having their assessments commenced on account of the very large number of applications received by the health board. I am currently in contact with the chief executive officer of the board to see what can be done to improve the position.