Sir, - The Irish Foreign Adoption Group, not for the first time, has made references (June 9th) to the Eastern Health Board, which are inaccurate and misleading.
The Irish Foreign Adoption Group has already been advised that an assessment for intercountry adoption takes no longer in the Eastern Health Board than in any other health board area. Further, the waiting period prior to assessment is shorter in the Eastern Health Board region than in a number of other boards.
It is not correct to say that couples who wish to adopt for a second time go through virtually the same process a second time. Second assessments, which are required by the Adoption Board, focus on issues related to the fact that second time applicants have since become the parents of a foreign child.
I am surprised that the Irish Foreign Adoption Group calls into question the use of resources within the Eastern Health Board. As late as June 5th, the Irish Foreign Adoption Group complimented the Eastern Health Board on the amount of resources it has invested in the area of intercountry adoption. The Eastern Health Board is the only board, which has a team of social workers exclusively involved in intercountry adoption work. We are unsure as to why a national organisation such as the Irish Foreign Adoption Group should single out the Eastern Health Board for particular criticism. However, we're happy to let the fact speak for themselves.
Comprehensive assessments are essential to ensure the best interests of adopted children. - Yours, etc., Brid Clarke, Programme manager, Children and Families, Eastern Health Board,
Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8.