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Inter-Country Adoptions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (100, 101, 102, 103)

John Gormley

Ceist:

157 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the huge inter-country adoption assessment waiting lists that have built up in the various health board regions; and if she will consider the short-term temporary re-allocation of social workers from other duties to reduce the assessment waiting lists. [27870/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Gormley

Ceist:

158 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the maintenance of a near two-year delay for adoption assessment constitutes a denial of the constitutional rights of Irish citizens who seek such assessment. [27871/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Gormley

Ceist:

159 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider introducing an optional charge of €1,000 per inter-country adoption application, to raise moneys for the sole purpose of employing extra social workers to clear the waiting list. [27872/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Gormley

Ceist:

160 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to significantly increase funding to health boards for the purpose of reducing the near two-year waiting time for initial assessment of couples’ suitability for inter-country adoption; if she will consider amending adoption legislation in order that qualified persons who are employed by organisations other than health boards and registered adoption agencies may conduct the necessary assessment. [27883/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 160, inclusive, together.

Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by health boards under the Adoption Acts 1952-1998. The length of time it takes to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the health board is a matter for the management of each individual health board. However, I have asked the Adoption Board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists for inter-country assessments and it is examining this.

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