Cecilia Keaveney
Question:175 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the countries which prohibit adoption on the basis of any criminal record on the side of the prospective adoptive parents. [23966/02]
Written Answers. - Adoption Acts.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:176 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person who has been convicted of a minor motoring offence more than ten years ago should be considered as a criminal and thus be deprived of the ability to adopt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23967/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The Adoption Board is responsible for the administration of the Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1998, so the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment on individual circumstances.
All applicants wishing to adopt abroad are assessed for eligibility and suitability by their local health board or adoption agency. All circumstances are considered, including any convictions incurred by either applicant. The Adoption Board makes its decision on whether an application for a declaration of eligibility and suitability is approved for prospective adopters based on the circumstances of the individual case, the nature of the conviction, if any, the penalty incurred and having regard to the best interests of the child who may be adopted.
If the board grants a declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt overseas the applicants may apply to a foreign country for adoption. The authorities in the sending country will make a decision on whether a child is referred to the applicants, having regard to the assessment report on the prospective adopters.