Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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351. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs why he did not include representatives of adoptees, or natural parents, in his appointments to the board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39579/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Section 98 of the Adoption Act 2010, sets out particular requirements for membership of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. In addition to the legislative requirements for Board members contained in the Act, consideration is also given to particular knowledge, skills and experience that would strengthen the capacity of the Board.

A person with personal experience of adoption may apply for a position on the Board provided that they also meet the particular requirements for membership set out in section 98 of the Adoption Act 2010.

However the issue of including a member from the adoptive community on the Board of the Authority has been raised with me previously and I will ask my Department to consider this issue as part of a review of the Adoption Act 2010 in the future.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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352. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason he re-appointed members to the board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, who had worked in agencies which had poor records regarding adoption (details supplied). [39580/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Section 98 of the Adoption Act 2010, sets out particular requirements for membership of the Adoption Authority or Ireland. In addition to the legislative requirements for Board members contained in the Act, consideration is also given to particular knowledge, skills and experience that would strengthen the capacity of the Board.

My decisions on appointments to boards are subject to the relevant governing legislation, and take into account the particular responsibilities of the agency in question. At all times I seek to ensure that the agency is best served by an appropriate mix of skills and experience.