Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
The latest information from the HSE indicates that approximately 45 social workers in the
Children and Family Services have applied for early retirement. The distribution of this number
geographically is as follows:
— 15 from HSE Dublin Mid Leinster;
— 8 from HSE Dublin North East;
— 13 from HSE South; and
— 9 from HSE West.
This figure is, of course, subject to change between now and the end of February. While the
number due to retire is relatively low in the overall context it will, nonetheless, require a
considered management response by the HSE. In this context, the National Director of Children
and Families Services, Gordon Jeyes, will apply his discretion over the course of the year
to the filling of vacancies, subject to this not compromising the achievement of employment
targets and subject to services being provided within available resources.
I am very much aware of the financial and service challenges facing the HSE in 2012. This
is the case across all care groups. The challenges are such as to require acceleration of the
reform programme. This process of reform is a central element of the wider programme of
reform for child and family services including the establishment of a new and dedicated Children
and Family Support Agency to which the Government is fully committed.
My Department will be working very closely with the HSE throughout the year to ensure
that the priorities set out in the HSE National Service Plan are implemented where they relate
to children and family services. We have set an ambitious programme of work, one which is
designed to significantly strengthen the policy, legislative and practice framework. Our shared
goal is the delivery of appropriate, effective and consistent services, notwithstanding the very
challenging and demanding circumstances in which these services are delivered.
Adoption Services
79. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she
will publish the preliminary proposals the Health Service Executive has developed regarding
the outsourcing of assessment agencies for the purposes of inter-country adoption; and if she
will make a statement on the matter. [8053/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The HSE is continuing
to develop its proposals in relation to arrangements for providing intercountry adoption assessments.
The issues involved are the subject of ongoing discussions with my Department. The
Adoption Act 2010 provides that bodies other than the HSE may undertake adoption assessments
on behalf of the Executive where they have been accredited by the Adoption Authority
of Ireland for this purpose. The arrangements for delivery of this service will be considered
against the backdrop of changes in the level of demand for adoption assessments, the overall
cost effectiveness of different service delivery arrangements and the management of priorities
within the HSE Children and Families Service. Details of the proposals will be made public
when the discussions have concluded.
Inter-Country Adoptions
80. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs following her
visit to Vietnam, if she will outline to Dáil Éireann if she entered into any protocols or agreements
that will resolve the difficulties of foreign adoptions for Irish parents from that country;
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