Gay Mitchell
Question:216 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a limit on the age of a child persons can adopt (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3231/02]
Written Answers. - Adoption Law.
Gay Mitchell
Question:217 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children from the United Kingdom who came here in 2001 for adoption purposes; and the number children who were not relatives of the adoptive parents at the time. [3232/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 to 217 together.
The Adoption Board is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the administration of the Adoption Acts, 1952-98. The Deputy will appreciate that I am, therefore, not in a position to comment on specific cases. Under section 6(1) of the Adoption Act, 1988 children are only eligible for adoption until they reach 18 years of age.
I have been advised by the Adoption Board that it did not receive any adoption application during 2001 for the adoption of a child from the United Kingdom.