John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lengthy process of the present system of adoption here; the steps she proposes to take to streamline this system; if she has had discussions with the adoption authority in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1617/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by the Health Services Executive, HSE, under the Adoption Acts 1952-1998, as amended by the Health Act 2004.

The process of assessment of applicants for inter-country assessment is set out in a framework for inter-country assessment introduced in 1999 to streamline assessments and to provide a transparent system centred on the child's best interests. It involves a number of stages and would generally include an initial assessment, a considerable level of education-preparation work, including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption, and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child. Applicants found to be suitable to be adoptive parents are granted a declaration of suitability by the Adoption Board, and may then pursue the adoption of a child abroad with the selected sending country. It should be noted that difficulties may arise in sending countries that can also cause delay. The length of time it takes to complete the necessary assessment and the allocation of resources within the HSE is a matter for the management of the HSE. I have asked the Adoption Board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists of inter-country assessments and itis examining this currently.