Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. It is certainly not the intention of the Minister to have any discrimination in regard to the type of person or family that is engaged in adoption. Indeed, the idea that only wealthy families would be able to do this because of the danger of funding not coming forward was part of the reason the Hague Convention came into place. The convention sought to ensure adoption was not just for wealthy people and attempted to address possible irregularities in regard to wealthy people coming to countries and using their wealth for what might not be the proper purpose. It is an attempt to have absolutely transparent and clear structures in place.

The Minister has asked the HSE and the Adoption Authority of Ireland to look at the issue of funding. Let us not forget the funding was in place in 2011 but it then ceased because the whole process ceased until the negotiations were complete. We are now in a new process. Three agencies have been accredited and the HSE has been asked, with the AAI, to look at the funding going forward, which is being done at present.

I understand that the HSE is prepared to meet Helping Hands next week and the discussions and negotiations can take place.

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