Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I discussed this issue at meetings with representatives from the HSE and the Adoption Board and with officials within my Department. I realise that this is a matter of major concern to many potential adoptive parents, particularly as our signing of the Hague Convention - which was clearly the correct route to take - has led to a change in the position with regard to inter-country adoptions as far as Irish couples are concerned. This is because there are fewer countries from which it is currently possible to adopt children and that is a result of our not yet having bilateral arrangements with them. In correspondence with couples, the HSE has made it very clear that they will not be obliged to undergo full assessments again. Instead, a review will be carried out and this will be shorter. Of course, the couples to whom I refer will be obliged to produce the necessary documentation in order to satisfy the authorities on various issues. Whether it is in respect of vetting or whatever, certificates, etc., people will again be obliged to produce certificates, etc. However, the assessment process will be much shorter and it will take the form of a review.

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