Vol. 539 No. 1
244 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the figures given in a reply to a parliamentary Question on 22 May 2001 in relation to foreign adoptions and waiting list times as applied to Ireland and regions of Ireland are accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18692/01]
My officials have been in contact with each of the health boards and have received confirmation that the projected waiting times for assessment for intercountry adoption as indicated by me in a parliamentary question on 22 May 2001 are accurate. It should be noted that the projected waiting time for assessment is defined as the estimated time from receipt of completed application to the commencement of the preparation-education course. This projection attempts to reflect the waiting times likely to be experienced by applicants joining the list at a particular time, in this case the end of December 2000.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority has also advised me that the figure provided by it for the number of social workers, whole-time equivalent, involved in assessment for the end of December 2000 has now been revised from 12 to 10.5. The ERHA has assured me that continuous efforts are being made to employ more social workers for which sanction has been received from my Department.
