Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I referred to countries with adoptions open in my contribution, how many children might be available and the general information related to this for prospective couples. Is the AAI authorised to make that information public?

With regard to the assessment process, the 2010 Act deems that the HSE must carry out the assessments. All applications must go through the HSE and it can then accredit agencies. I am not sure if the Minister can answer this question. Three agencies have been accredited to date. PACT has carried out assessments on behalf of the Church of Ireland for some time. Have either of the other two agencies been given applications to process? The HSE has taken up to five years to process applications whereas Hague Convention countries take nine months. Can the Minister envisage the enhancement of the role of these agencies to bring the timeframe into line with other countries?

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