Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

218 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the average length of time a couple will have to wait for an assessment for adoption in the Southern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/98]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

234 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take in relation to the high waiting lists for assessment for foreign adoptions. [20159/98]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 234 together.

At present the average waiting time for commencement of foreign adoption assessments in the Southern Health Board area is three years in Cork and 12 months in Kerry. The average length of the assessment is six to eight months.

I understand from the health board that there has been a considerable increase in the number of applications for assessment in the Cork area this year and, due to the withdrawal of two registered adoption societies from this work, the Southern Health Board is now the only agency providing an assessment service. In view of the long waiting period for assessments, the position is being reviewed by the Southern Health Board and additional resources are being allocated to the area immediately.

In replying to parliamentary questions on the issue of waiting times for foreign adoption assessments on 30 September last, I made a detailed statement outlining the initiatives I am taking to deal with this issue generally. I have attached a copy of my reply for the Deputy's information.