Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans, in view of the fact that couples who wish to adopt children in this country and who live in the Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare areas have to wait 22 months before they are even called to start the process due to the shortage of social workers whereas in Galway this is not the case, she has the to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8396/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

The Government did allocate €1 million to the HSE in additional ongoing funding commencing in 2005 to assist in tackling inter-country adoption waiting times. I understand that this additional funding is being used to pilot measures which will, for example, allow for more flexible working arrangements within the HSE with a view to addressing waiting times. The registered Adoption Society, PACT, has also received significant additional funding to allow them to expand their inter-country adoption services.