Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013
364. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in relation to the inter-country adoption costs, if she will request a copy of the report commissioned by the Adoption Authority of Ireland, in relation to a review of the fee schedule and costs being quoted by an Adoption Agency (details supplied), and if the result of the review will be published. [21463/13]
View answerUnder the Adoption Act 2010, the accreditation of agencies providing adoption services is a matter for the Adoption Authority. The Authority is obliged to fully satisfy itself of the fitness of any persons or body of persons to provide and undertake adoption services. This is covered in some detail by the Adoption Act, 2010 (Accredited Bodies) Regulation 2010. The Authority is examining a number of issues in relation to accredited agencies in general, including the levels of fees being charged by Irish agencies in relation to international norms. The Authority has indicated that the level of fees being charged by one agency, ARC, is in line with international norms. However, the Authority has asked ARC to amend the fee payment schedule to produce a more balanced staged payments structure. The Authority will advise me of the outcome of this examination in due course. My Department is examining the role of accredited agencies under the Adoption Act 2010, including the issue of operating costs. I am anxious to ensure such agencies are underpinned by sustainable financial structures which operate within international norms for adoption. Most importantly, all fee structures should be set at an appropriate level and deliver transparency for all the parties involved.
