Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - High Court Adoption Applications.

Alan Shatter

Question:

546 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health the total number of High Court applications initiated pursuant to Section 3 of the Adoption Act, 1974, from the date of its enactment to 31 December 1993, to dispense with the consent of a natural mother in the making of an adoption order; the total number of such applications granted; the total number of such applications refused; the total number currently awaiting determination by the Courts; the total number generally adjourned or struck out due to the consent subsequently being forthcoming or the resolution by agreement of such proceedings; the number of such cases in which legal aid was provided by a Government law centre or otherwise paid for by the State on behalf of natural mothers or adoptive parents; whether he will have arrangements made to discharge the legal costs incurred by adopters in such proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The detailed information in relation to the incidence and outcome of applications under section 3 of the Adoption Act, 1974, is being collated by the Adoption Board and I shall transmit it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

I have no function in relation to the provision of legal aid to parties to the proceedings in question. I understand that in certain circumstances assistance is made available under the civil legal aid scheme administered by the Legal Aid Board. The Deputy may wish to pursue this aspect of his question with the Minister for Equality and Law Reform.