Adoption Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Questions (115, 116)

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

169 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to set up a new adoption authority to replace the existing Adoption Board under proposed reforms of legislation governing adoption; her views on the current delay of up to four years for couples to be assessed for suitability to adopt; her further views on whether a one stop shop integrating all the necessary services would assist in speeding up the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34192/04]

Written answers

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

Following an extensive public consultation process I recently announced that the Government has approved the drafting of a range of legislative proposals relating to adoption. These proposals include the establishment of an adoption authority to act as a central national authority for adoption, including the carrying out of the functions that are the responsibility of the Adoption Board.

The allocation of resources within the Health Services Executive is a matter for the management of the HSE. However, I have asked the Adoption Board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists of inter-country assessments and it is examining this.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

170 Ms Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to introduce an upper age limit for adoptive parents under proposed reforms of the legislation governing adoption; her views on whether such a move will doubly militate against couples in the older age bracket who already have to wait four years to be assessed for suitability to adopt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34193/04]

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

The Government recently approved the drafting of legislative proposals relating to adoption. One of the proposals is that only persons under 50 would be eligible to apply for assessment for inter-country adoption. Adoption is a service for children, and the best interests of children are at the core of the proposals. As the proposals relate to age at the time of application for assessment, time on the waiting list will not have a negative impact.