Eamon Gilmore
Question:35 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, being taken to reduce waiting times for assessment for inter-country adoptions in the Eastern Health Board area; the plans, if any, he has to allow the licensing of private agencies to help ease the burden and reduce waiting times; if the number of countries from which Irish couples may adopt children will not be restricted under the legislation to give effect to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22852/99]