Written answers

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Department of Health and Children

Adoption Services

9:00 am

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the minimum age requirement for adoption from the USA; if this policy is consistent across all health board areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37366/10]

Photo of Barry AndrewsBarry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Section 33 of the Adoption Act 2010 provides for a minimum age of 21 at which an adoption order may be made or recognition given to an inter-country adoption effected outside the State. There is no upper age limit for eligibility to be assessed for inter-country adoption. However, prospective adoptive parents are assessed for eligibility and suitability to adopt a child. All applications for assessment to adopt are dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the HSE having regard to a range of factors including the prospective adoptive parent's capacity to safeguard the child throughout his or her childhood.

In regard to the USA, the legislation regarding age limits for prospective adoptive parents may differ from state to state, but if a sending country does have age limits, this would not be within the control of the Irish authorities.

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