Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Irish Adoptions of Chinese Orphans.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

88 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health, in relation to Irish adoptions of Chinese orphans, if he will grant the necessary certification of International Orphan Aid as a non-governmental agency in order that this group can be allowed to assist those wishing to adopt; if he will agree to this request as a matter of urgency due to the fact that long delays have already occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21055/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

It is a requirement of the Chinese adoption authorities that applications for the adoption of Chinese children be transmitted by a relevant governmental organisation or by a recognised non-governmental organisation. The Adoption Board, which has statutory responsibility under the Adoption Act, 1991, for the regulation and recognition of adoptions effected outside the State by Irish residents, has agreed to undertake the task of transmitting documents on behalf of prospective adopters to the China Centre for Adoption Affairs in Beijing. The relevant Chinese authorities have been informed accordingly through the diplomatic channel.

In the light of this development, the need for the recognition of a non-governmental organisation for this purpose does not arise. Having said that, I acknowledge that International Orphan Aid has built up a level of expertise in relation to the adoption of children from the People's Republic of China and that it provides important support to prospective adopters. It seems it could have a valuable role to play in assisting the Adoption Board in the work that the board has agreed to undertake. I would therefore suggest that the organisation might contact the board to explore this possibility.