Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to delays and waiting lists for assessments regarding inter country adoptions; if her attention has been drawn the hardship caused by the delay to those who are waiting to adopt; and his proposals in this regard. [24920/07]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that many prospective adoptive parents are concerned about the waiting times for an assessment. I appreciate the frustration the waiting list causes to those who are anxious to adopt, and who are more than willing to participate fully in the necessary assessment procedures.

As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for intercountry adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on intercountry adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for foreign adoption in Europe. In addition, as a result of the increased number of children coming from abroad, a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports from sending countries has been created. Both assessments and post-placement reports are being undertaken by HSE social work staff.

The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences. The HSE is currently conducting a review of the intercountry adoption service. They will examine inconsistencies, processes and options. I anticipate that this review will take several weeks to complete, after which the HSE will submit their proposals to streamline and improve this service.

In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise. Officials from my Office are currently engaged in discussions with the HSE to discuss the effectiveness of this approach. I have instructed my officials to maintain this positive dialogue with the HSE and to explore these and other strategies to increase capacity right across the country in order to tackle the lengthy waiting times. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue.