John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the rationale behind the maximum declaration approval for Irish applicants of three years for adoptions from Hague Convention approved countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43132/12]

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to amend the existing restriction of a three year approval period for adoptions from Hague Convention approved countries in view of the situation when the adoption process can take in excess of this period for approved applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43133/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.

The expiration of declarations is covered under Section 41 (1) of the Adoption Act, 2010. The section provides that a declaration of eligibility and suitability expires after 24 months from the date of issuance of the declaration or after a further period of not more than 12 months that the Adoption Authority may specify. The Adoption Act, 2010, does not make provision for any further extension of declarations under any circumstances.

In relation to applications to the Authority for extensions to declarations issued under the provisions of Section 63 of the Adoption Act, 2010, the Board has decided to extend the declarations for one further year, i.e. from 1 November 2012 to 31 October 2013.

In the event of a declaration expiring an applicant would need to apply for a new declaration and undertake a fresh assessment under sections 37-40 of the Act. Given the length of time since declarations were originally granted, it would be necessary for the application to be examined to ensure that current circumstances are accurately reflected. Officials in my Department intend to meet with representatives of the Adoption Authority and the HSE to discuss how best to expedite the process within the parameters laid out in legislation.