Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013
197. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason, as part of the Health Service Executive assessment of applicants, a person wishing to adopt is required to nominate a single country from which he or she wishes to adopt and any subsequent approval to adopt is then limited to adoptions from that same country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19589/13]
View answerAs part of the assessment process in relation to an application for a declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt, applicants are required to select a country from which they would like to adopt and must research the country and the specific needs in relation to adopting a child from this country. The social worker assesses applicants with reference to the known needs of children from different countries and the specific capacities of these particular applicants to meet the needs of a child adopted from this area. Following the issuance of a declaration to adopt, should an applicant wish to change to another country they may contact their social worker for an updated assessment in this regard.
