I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 409 together.
I am very concerned about the delays being experienced by applicants for inter-country adoption assessment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The number of applicants awaiting assessment in the ERHA at the end of 2001 was 477 for first assessment and 61 for second assessment. Delays have arisen over the last few years because of an increased interest in inter-country adoption and difficulties being experienced by the South West Area Health Board, which to date has been providing this service on behalf of the three area boards, in recruiting social workers in the child care area, including inter-country adoption. The standardised framework for inter-country adoption assessment procedures is now being used in all health boards. The purpose is to streamline assessment processes for first and second assessments so that resources are used effectively and to provide a transparent system that can be understood by all of the parties. The framework has been welcomed by health boards and couples.