Question:
62 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he has taken to implement the Valeries' report concerning inter-country adoptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20379/99]
Written Answers. - Inter-Country Adoptions.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the report Towards a Standardised Framework for Intercountry Adoption Assessment Procedures undertaken by Dr. Valerie O'Brien and Dr. Valerie Richardson of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at University College Dublin. I have referred in detail in recent weeks to the Government decision to publish the report, the allocation of additional funding of £500,000 in 1999 and the establishment of an implementation group to prioritise, plan and cost implementation of the report. I refer the Deputy to my detailed responses of 30 September, 3 and 4 November last, which also include details in respect of specific developments in the South Eastern, Southern and Eastern Health Boards, respectively, on this issue.