Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
139 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to deal with the delays of three years or more in the waiting list for assessment for those who want to adopt children; her views on the fact that this an entirely unacceptable situation and needs to be changed as a matter of urgency; and if she will outline her proposals in this regard. [32964/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for intercountry adoption are processed by health boards under the Adoption Acts 1952 to 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 intercountry assessments and they are examining this currently.
