Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

John McGuinness

Question:

472 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny were refused sanction from the Adoption Board to adopt twins from Russia in view of the fact that the social workers' report recommended the couple for two children; the reason the social workers' report was ignored in this case; if the board will explain the decision to these persons; the reason for the delay in this and other cases; the reason the decision is not explained to those concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11815/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The Adoption Board is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the administration of the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998, including the issuing of declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt abroad. My Department has forwarded this question to the chief executive officer of the Adoption Board for direct response to the Deputy.