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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

John Bruton

Question:

153 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he is taking to initiate a reduction in the adoption waiting list in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10720/02]

Alan Shatter

Question:

174 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applicants as at 27 March 2002 awaiting assessment for suitability for foreign adoptions within the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; the number of assessments completed within each of the past four years; the number of assessments it is anticipated will be completed in 2002; and the steps he proposes taking to enable assessments to be undertaken on the substantial and escalating number of couples of the current waiting list. [10600/02]

Alan Shatter

Question:

175 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of prospective adoptive parents within each health board area awaiting assessment for foreign adoption; the number waiting for more than one year, more than two years, more than three years or longer for an assessment to start; his views on whether the current situation is satisfactory; and the steps he intends taking to ensure applicants' suitability is assessed within a reasonable period of time. [10601/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 174 and 175 together.

I am very concerned about the delays being experienced by applicants for intercountry adoption assessment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. The number of applicants awaiting assessment in the ERHA at the end of 2001 is 477 for first assessment and 61 for second assessment. Delays have arisen in recent years because of an increased interest in intercountry adoption and difficulties being experienced by the South West Area Health Board – which to date has been providing this service on behalf of the three area boards – in recruiting social workers in the child care area, including intercountry adoption.

The standardised framework for intercountry adoption assessment procedures is now being used in all health boards. The purpose is to streamline assessment processes for first and second assessments so that resources are used effectively and to provide a transparent system that can be understood by all of the parties. The framework has been welcomed by both health boards and couples.
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