Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

53 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to cases where parents wish to adopt a child from another country, he will clarify the way in which a child is selected for adoption; the information given in relation to the child to the prospective adoptive parents; whether this can be done prior to an approval by the Adoption Board of the couple; whether there is a procedure whereby, as in Irish adoptions, a society or adoption board can provide information, including background information, regarding the child for the prospective adoptive parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The selection of a child for adoption, the information given in relation to the child to the prospective adoptive parents and the provision of background information on the child are all matters to be dealt with by the adoption authorities of the country in which the adoption is effected in accordance with that country's adoption law and procedure and such procedures vary from place to place.

No Irish resident can apply to effect a foreign adoption without first of all obtaining a declaration of suitability and eligibility from the Adoption Board.