Vol. 553 No. 2
486 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the new measures he intends taking to increase the number of social workers allocated to work on foreign adoption assessments in the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13200/02]
487 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the further steps he intends taking to encourage health boards throughout the country to assist the Eastern Regional Health Authority in reducing its waiting times for foreign adoption assessments. [13201/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the responsibility for recruiting social workers to health boards is a matter for individual health boards. The problems in the Eastern Regional Health Authority arise primarily due to the high level of demand for assessments combined with current difficulties in recruiting social workers. A range of actions have been taken to assist the ERHA to improve the service available, including allocation of an additional €830,000 over the last four years. I understand that the ERHA is continuing to look at options to further increase the number of assessments carried out, including involvement of other health boards and agencies.
