Adoption Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Questions (394)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

394. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of couples that have been granted declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt under the relevant sections of the Adoption Act, but that have yet to adopt a child; the number of single persons who have been granted such declarations, but have yet to adopt; if he will provide a gender breakdown of these single persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4793/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Adoption Authority of Ireland has provided the following table of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability granted over the past ten years. The Authority advises that it is not possible to say how many of these led to an adoption as some prospective adopters will have withdrawn from the process for a variety of reasons. I would point out that a Declaration remains valid for 3 years, therefore the numbers below may include applicants who reapplied, following expiration of an earlier Declaration that was granted.

APPLICATIONS FOR A DECLARATION OF ELIGIBILITY & SUITABILITY

Year	Couples	F/Applicants only	M/Applicants only	Total
2004	478	23	0	501
2005	378	22	0	400
2006	442	25	0	467
2007	473	21	0	494
2008	462	47	0	509
2009	368	38	1	407
2010	335	46	0	381
2011	223	9	0	232
2012	203	0	1	204
2013	236	1	0	237