Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her policy for regulation of adoption has changed since 2011; if she will consider amending section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24536/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Adoption in Ireland is governed by the Adoption Act, 2010. My Department is responsible for matters relating to the formulation of adoption legislation, including Regulations, and public policy issues on adoption. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) was established in November 2010. The Authority is an independent statutory body charged with implementing the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the direct operational implementation of legislation and Government policy. Other bodies as designated and provided for by the legislation, such as the HSE and the 'registered accredited bodies', perform various functions in relation to operational matters, which have been delegated to them by the Authority. The Adoption Authority acts as the regulatory body for these agencies.

Declarations of eligibility and suitability to adopt which were issued under Section 63 of the Adoption Act will expire on 31st October 2013. Following consultation with my Department, the AAI and the HSE agreed a process whereby holders of valid Section 63 declarations, may apply to the HSE under Section 37 of the Act for an assessment review, which will not include a full assessment process. These applicants may then obtain a Section 40 declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt.