Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fees being charged by a company (details supplied); if these fees have been approved by the relevant authority; the efforts she is making to contain and reduce costs for those seeking inter-country adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55456/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Issues relating to the level of fees charged by an accredited body (ARC) are a matter for the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) and are covered in some detail by the Adoption Act, 2010 (Accredited Bodies) Regulation 2010. The fee structure employed by ARC has been examined and approved by the AAI.

I am aware that a number of prospective adoptive parents have recently been asked to pay substantial fees to the body concerned within a short time frame. I recently met with a representative group of parents hoping to adopt from Bulgaria. At this meeting the AAI advised that, with the assistance of their auditors, the Authority is examining a number of issues in relation to accredited bodies, including an examination of levels of fees being charged by Irish agencies in relation to international norms. The auditors will also report to the AAI in relation to proposed payment schedules by accredited bodies. I have asked the AAI for a full report on this matter. Following this examination, the AAI will discuss the findings with ARC.

The AAI have also agreed to make contact with the Bulgarian authorities to establish the position regarding intercountry adoptions. I have agreed to meet with the prospective parents group again when the AAI have had an opportunity to complete their examination of the issues.

End of Take