Vol. 438 No. 8
107 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health, in view of the ongoing difficulties being experienced by persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow in having a recognised adoption of their two children, the way in which he intends to resolve their difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by the couple concerned. It is desirable that there should be an authoritative judicial ruling on the dispute that has arisen between the couple and the Adoption Board in relation to the entitlement of their adoptions to recognition under Irish law. In this context, I understand that the board is awaiting further advice from senior counsel as to the most appropriate procedure under the Adoption Act, 1991 for the referral of the dispute to the High Court for determination.
I might mention that, without prejudice to their position on the recognition issue, the couple have applied for Irish adoption orders for the two children and these applications are currently being processed by the Adoption Board.
