Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is unacceptable that persons applying for inter country adoption have to wait for five years or more before they are allowed to complete the assessment process, in consequence of which the waiting list for foreign adoptions has doubled in the past five years; if she will take steps to establish a more effective system bearing in mind that many such applicants may be middle aged couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2364/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for the implementation of policy with regard to assessments for inter-country adoption.

As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on inter-country 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. In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise.

The HSE has also appointed an outside consultant to undertake a review of the inter-country adoption service. This review is examining staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. The HSE has indicated that it will contact the Department shortly with proposals to improve this service based on the outcome of the report. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system.