Written answers

Thursday, 5 May 2005

Department of Health and Children

Inter-Country Adoptions

5:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when an adoption assessment (details supplied) is likely to commence. [14630/05]

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the waiting time for even the commencement of inter-country adoption assessment has gone from 12 months to 23 months in the past four months; and if there are plans to strengthen staff numbers to ensure shorter assessment waiting times. [14631/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.

Applications for inter-country adoption are processed by the Health Services Executive under the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998, as amended by the Health Act 2004. 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. However, I have asked the adoption board to identify practical measures to tackle the waiting lists of inter-country assessments. The board has initiated discussions with the HSE on the matter.

My Department has requested the national director of primary, community and continuing care in the Health Service Executive to investigate these matters and to reply directly to the Deputy.

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