Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
572 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a letter will issue detailing non-identifying information on the natural mother of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when this person may expect an appointment with a social worker from the regional adoption service, St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, County Cork,as this is where their file is being held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21434/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra573 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff and social workers employed in the regional adoption service, St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, County Cork for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the expenditure forthat Department for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21439/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra574 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average time an adopted person has to wait to receive a letter of non-identifying information from regional adoption services; the average length of time an adopted person has to wait to receive an appointment to meet a social worker; the waiting period for a trace to commence in theregional adoption service in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21442/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 574, inclusive, together.
As the queries raised are of an operational nature, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information in this regard. Last year the HSE Regional Adoption Services agreed to take responsibility for the adoption files of the Sacred Heart Adoption Society in respect of homes in Bessborough, Co. Cork; St Peters, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath and Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and I have been advised by the Office of the National Director, Children and Family Services HSE that the files have since been transferred to the HSE in their entirety. A system has been put in place to manage all queries from the region, including former clients of Sacred Heart Adoption Society, i.e. children born in the Sacred Heart Homes (now adults) and birth mothers. Queries are being dealt with in the HSE Regional Adoption Department in order that enquirers can be offered a meeting with a social worker/counsellor to deal with requests as promptly as possible. The HSE is responding to individual queries and encourages anyone seeking their personal data to communicate directly with the HSE South Adoption Unit, St Stephens Hospital, Glanmire, Co.Cork (tel. 021 4858650).
