Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Like other Members, I have received useful information from the International Adoption Association about the delays experienced by prospective adopters. We all agree that standards in terms of assessment for suitability for adoption must not be diluted. It must always be the case that any procedure has regard to the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration. The Bill envisages that accredited bodies would carry out certain functions and these amendments seek to facilitate that being done in the interest of smoother procedures of assessment for adoption.