In order to effect an intercountry adoption, prospective adoptive parents must hold a valid declaration of eligibility and suitability on the day of the Court judgement in the country of origin where the adoption is taking place. All declarations of eligibility and suitability issued under Section 63 of the Adoption Act, 2010, expire on 31 October 2013. However, following discussions between the Adoption Authority and the Health Service Executive, the latter have agreed that prospective adopters can apply for a new assessment 6 months prior to the lapsing of their original declaration. Therefore, from the 1st of April 2013 applicants holding a Section 63 declaration can apply to the HSE under Section 37 of the Adoption Act, 2010, for an assessment of eligibility and suitability to adopt.
Following assessment by the HSE, the Adoption Authority may issue a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability under Section 40 of the Adoption Act, 2010. This Declaration will be valid for two years from the date of issue. The AAI and HSE will ensure that any prospective adoptive parent with a referral pending will be prioritised for assessment and issuance of a declaration of eligibility of and suitability.
The Adoption Authority informs me there has been no disruption in the receipt of intercountry adoption child referrals from Thailand. The Thai authorities allocated Ireland a quota of four referrals for 2012. Prospective adoptive parents proposing to adopt from Thailand should hold a valid Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability at all times, including the period after which they have received custody of a child and prior to effecting an adoption at the Thai Embassy in London. The Adoption Authority and the HSE are examining a range of issues in relation to assessments and the issuance of declarations. The relevant information on these matters will be published on the AAI website (www.aai.gov.ie).
