Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 443: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if advice and assistance are available to parents contemplating the adoption of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2214/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive deals with initial inquiries on adoption under its child care programmes. It can provide information to prospective applicants, issue application forms and ensure that all the necessary documentation has been collated.

When a prospective adopter contacts his or her local HSE office with an initial inquiry, his or her will be sent an information pack which will help him or her to start the process of self-reflection. Some HSE areas and adoption agencies invite those interested in adopting to an information evening to distribute this documentation, using it as an opportunity for adopters to meet with other interested adopters as well as a member of their adoption team. Information and advice on both domestic and intercountry adoption are also available from the Adoption Board, including information booklets on the adoption process.