Thomas P. Broughan
Question:402 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs incurred to date in 1998 by the Adoption Board by being a party to the consultative case heard by the Supreme Court in 1997. [8663/98]
Written Answers. - Adoption Board.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the case stated from the Circuit Court in which judgment was delivered on 3 April 1998. The Adoption Board was not a party to this case.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:403 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons he failed to appoint an adopted person to the Adoption Board; if he will remedy this serious omission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/98]
The role of the Adoption Board is to fulfil the functions assigned to it under the Adoption Acts, 1952-91. It is not a representative or policy making body. The Government appointed the members of the new Adoption Board in a personal capacity because of their particular expertise and-or proven interest in and experience of child welfare issues and not as representatives of any particular interest or organisation. I would point out that in appointing the new Adoption Board the Government did not ask any member whether or not they were adopted, nor would it be appropriate to do so.
Section 8 of the Adoption Act, 1952, as amended by section 11 of the Adoption Act, 1991, provides that the Adoption Board shall consist of a chairman and eight ordinary members. All these positions have been filled.