Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Stringent requirements must be met for the accreditation of adoption agencies. This protects children in this country and other countries, which is extremely important. To date, the authority has registered 12 organisations and a further six are awaiting a decision on accreditation. I note the points made by the Deputy with regard to Helping Hands. Like many agencies, it was asked to provide information and I understand this has been provided. I understand also that this information has now gone to the HSE and the Adoption Authority is awaiting a response on its analysis of that information. Once that information comes back from the HSE, a decision can be made on Helping Hands.

See this speech in context