Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

185 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for foreign adoption in the South-Eastern Health Board region; the waiting time for the first meeting; the average time schedule for completion of adoption applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3824/98]

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

186 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applicants for adoptions to the South-Eastern Health Board region; the number approved; the number of children placed for adoption for each of the years from 1990 to 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3825/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

Health boards have statutory responsibility for the provision of adoption services in accordance with the Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1991. The level of detail requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. I have written to the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board asking him to furnish the necessary information to the Deputy.