Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Adoption Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

297 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department and the South-Eastern Health Board will re-open the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied to the board for adoption in 1993 but were refused; if the home study carried out at that time will be set aside in view of the inaccuracies contained in it and a new report requested; and if this request and the original application will be expedited. [25328/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I have sought a report on this case from the South-Eastern Health Board and I will correspond directly with the Deputy in this matter when I have been advised of the position. I would point out that the Adoption Board is an independent statutory body and I am therefore not in a position to make inquiries in relation to its decisions. It is open to those who wish to appeal a decision of the adoption board to seek judicial review of such a decision.