Vol. 503 No. 4
124 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications made in 1998 for consideration as adoptive parents; the number of assessments carried out in 1998; the number approved; the number on each health board awaiting assessment; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10435/99]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled as part of the independent consultancy to review the inter-country adoption assessment procedures in the eight health boards. My aim in commissioning this review is to ensure that an efficient and standardised assessment procedure which accords with best practice operates across the country while at the same time having regard to the priority that must be attached to other areas of our child care services.
A draft report was submitted to my Department last month and was referred to the advisory committee established to oversee the consultancy. The final report will be submitted to me at the end of the month. I intend to make the report widely available.
