Ivor Callely
Question:95 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently on waiting lists to adopt; the criteria used for placing people on such lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/95]
Written Answers. - Adoption Waiting Lists.
Adoptions are arranged by registered adoption societies and, to a lesser extent, by health boards. For that reason, information as to the number of people on waiting lists for adoption is not available to my Department. However, I am arranging for a copy of the Adoption Board's annual report for 1994, which was recently published, to be forwarded to the Deputy. This contains useful information about the level of activity in relation to both national and foreign adoptions. The report reveals a continuing decline in the number of children available for adoption within the State with a corresponding upsurge in interest in the adoption of children from abroad.
As regards the criteria used for placing people on waiting lists for adoption, the adoption agencies undertake detailed assessments in order to establish the general suitability of prospective adoptive parents. The agencies must also have regard to the legal requirements laid down in the Adoption Acts in relation to eligibility to adopt.