Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

143. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 799 of 8 September 2020, if further documentation (details supplied) in relation to the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I must clarify that, as Minister, I cannot involve myself in individual adoption cases.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Adoption Act 2010 provides that Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt are valid for 24 months, and may be extended for an additional 12 months. There is no provision in the adoption acts for a further extension. Before a new Declaration can be issued, there must be a new assessment of the prospective adoptive parents.

I am aware that there are a number of families who have received Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt, and for whom, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the adoption process. This is particularly the case where people are seeking to adopt from abroad, and where travel restrictions are imposed by other countries.

I am aware that considerable efforts are being made to arrange travel for these families, and this situation is actively being kept under review, with close engagement between my officials and the Adoption Authority of Ireland.

On the issue of expiry of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability, it is my intention to contact Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, and request them to closely monitor cases where a Declaration is close to expiry, and the prospective adoptive parents are due to travel. I will also request Tusla and the Adoption Authority to expedite the process of re-assessment and issuing of a new declaration, within the provisions of the legislation.  Finally, I would advise prospective adoptive parents to remain in contact with the Adoption Authority and Tusla in relation to Declarations which are close to expiry and the potential need for re-assessment.