Adoption Procedures I
Adoption Act
Interpretation.
3.— (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“accredited body” means a body of persons whose name is entered in the register of accredited bodies;
F1[“Act of 1964” means the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964;]
F1[”Act of 2010” means the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010;]
F2[”Act of 2015” means the Gender Recognition Act 2015;]
“Adopted Children Register” means the Adopted Children Register maintained by an tArd-Chláraitheoir under section 22 of the Adoption Act 1952 and continued in being by section 84;
“Adoption Acts” means the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998;
“adoption committee” means a committee established by the F3[Child and Family Agency] under section 36;
“adoption order” means an order for the adoption of a child made—
(a) before the establishment day, by An Bord Uchtála under the Adoption Acts, or
(b) on or after the establishment day, by the Authority under this Act;
“Article”, in relation to a numbered Article, means the Article so numbered of the Hague Convention and a reference to a subdivision of a numbered Article shall be read accordingly;
“assessment of eligibility and suitability”, in relation to a person, means an assessment of whether or not the person—
(a) comes within the classes of persons in whose favour an adoption order may by virtue of section 33 be made, and
(b) is under section 34 a suitable person to have parental rights and duties in relation to a child;
“the Authority” means the body established by section 94;
F4[”bilateral agreement” means an agreement referred to in section 73 entered into by the Government and a non-contracting state concerning intercountry adoption;]
“bilateral agreement adoption” means an adoption—
(a) effected in accordance with a bilateral agreement in a state that is a party to the agreement, and
(b) certified, in accordance with the agreement, by the competent authority of the state of the adoption as having been so effected;
“Central Authority” means—
(a) in relation to a Convention adoption, the body designated as the Central Authority by a contracting state, under Article 6 (which relates to the designation and appointment of Central Authorities) to perform the functions conferred under the Hague Convention on such authorities,
(b) in relation to a bilateral agreement adoption, a body designated as the Central Authority under that agreement to perform the functions conferred under that agreement on such authorities, and
(c) in relation to an intercountry adoption in the circumstances referred to in section 81, a body designated as the Central Authority under an arrangement under that section to perform the functions conferred under that arrangement on such authorities,
and in each case, in relation to functions performable in the State, means the Authority;
“chief executive officer” means the person appointed to be the chief executive officer of the Authority under section 103;
“child” means any person who is under the age of 18 years;
F1[”civil partner” shall be construed in accordance with section 3 of the Act of 2010;
”cohabitant” shall be construed in accordance with section 172(1) of the Act of 2010;
”cohabiting couple” means 2 adults who are cohabitants of each other and who have been living together as cohabitants for a continuous period of not less than 3 years;]
“contracting state” means a state, other than any state to whose accession to the Hague Convention the State has raised an objection pursuant to Article 44 (which relates to accession to the Hague Convention), in respect of which the Hague Convention has entered into force in accordance with Article 46 and shall be read so that this Act shall have effect in relation to—
(a) if a contracting state has declared under Article 45 (which makes special provision for states with 2 or more territorial units) that the Hague Convention shall extend to one or more than one territorial unit within that state, that unit or those units, and
(b) each other contracting state;
“Convention adoption” means an intercountry adoption effected in accordance with the Hague Convention in a contracting state and for which a certificate under paragraph (1) of Article 23 (which relates to recognition of adoptions certified by the competent authority of the state of adoption) has been provided;
“declaration of eligibility and suitability” means a declaration issued by the Authority under section 40;
“domestic adoption” means the adoption of a child who was habitually resident in the State before his or her adoption by a person or persons habitually resident in the State;
F5[“donor-conceived child” has the same meaning as it has in Part 2 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015;
“father”, in relation to a child, includes a man who is, under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, a parent of the child where that child is a donor-conceived child;]
“establishment day” means the establishment day appointed under section 6;
“financial year”, in relation to the Authority, means a period of 12 months ending on 31 December in any year and, in the case of the first financial year of the Authority, means the period commencing on the establishment day and ending on 31 December in the year in which the establishment day falls;
F2[”gender recognition certificate” has the same meaning as it has in the Gender Recognition Act 2015;]
“guardian”, in relation to a child, means a person who—
F6[(a) is a guardian of the child pursuant to the Act of 1964, other than a guardian appointed—
(i) under section 6C of that Act where subsection (9) of that section applies to that appointment but the court has not made an order that that person enjoys the rights and responsibilities specified in subsection (11)(f) of that section, or
(ii) under section 6E of that Act, or]
(b) is appointed to be a guardian of the child by—
(i) deed or will, or
(ii) order of a court in the State,
and has not been removed from office;
“Hague Convention” means the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, 1993, the text of which, subject to subsection (3), is set out for convenience of reference in Schedule 2;
“interim order” means an order under section 44;
“intercountry adoption” means the adoption of a child habitually resident in a state (the “state of origin”), whether a contracting state or non-contracting state, who has been, is being or is to be transferred into another state (the “receiving state”)—
(a) after the child’s adoption in the state of origin by a person or persons habitually resident in the receiving state, or
(b) for the purposes of an adoption, in either the receiving state or the state of origin, by a person or persons habitually resident in the receiving state;
“intercountry adoption effected outside the State” means—
(a) an adoption of a child effected outside the State at any time before the establishment day that, at that time, conformed to the definition of “foreign adoption” in section 1 of the Adoption Act 1991,
(b) an adoption, other than an intercountry adoption, of a child effected outside the State at any time on or after the establishment day that conforms to the definition of “foreign adoption” in section 1 of the Adoption Act 1991 as it read on 30 May 1991, or
(c) an intercountry adoption of a child effected outside the State at any time on or after the establishment day that, at that time, is in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Act and the Hague Convention;
“local authority” has the same meaning as it has in the Local Government Act 2001;
“Minister” means the Minister for Health and Children;
“non-contracting state” means a state other than a contracting state;
F7[…]
F8[“parent” means, in relation to a child—
(a) the mother or father of the child, or
F9[(b) a woman (other than the mother) who is, under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, a parent of the child where that child is a donor-conceived child,]
and includes an adopter of the child;]
“personal public service number” has the meaning assigned to it by section 262 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005;
“prescribed” means prescribed by the Minister by regulations under this Act;
“receiving state”, in relation to an intercountry adoption, means the state in which the prospective adopters of a child are habitually resident;
“register of accredited bodies” means the register kept under section 35 of the Adoption Act 1952 as the Adoption Societies Register and continued in being under section 126 as the register of accredited bodies;
F2[”register of gender recognition of intercountry adoptions” means the register established under section 91A;]
“register of intercountry adoptions” means the register established under section 6 of the Adoption Act 1991 as the Register of Foreign Adoptions and continued in being under section 90 as the register of intercountry adoptions;
“relative”, in relation to a child, means a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt of the child, whether of the whole blood, of the half-blood or by affinity and includes the spouse of any such person, F10[relationship to the child being traced through a parent of that child];
F11[“relevant non-guardian” means, in relation to a child—
(a) a father of the child who is not a guardian of the child pursuant to the Act of 1964,
F12[(b) a parent of the child under section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 who is not a guardian pursuant to the Act of 1964,]
(c) a person who is appointed as a guardian of the child pursuant to section 6C of the Act of 1964 where subsection (9) of that section applies to that appointment but in respect of which the court has not made an order that the person enjoys the rights and responsibilities specified in subsection (11)(f) of that section, or
(d) a person appointed by the court to be a temporary guardian of the child under section 6E of the Act of 1964;]
“state of origin”, in relation to a child, means the state in which the child is habitually resident before—
(a) his or her adoption, or
(b) his or her proposed adoption,
by a person habitually resident in another state.
F1[”step parent” has the meaning assigned to it by section 37;]
(2) In this Act, references to adopters shall, where the context so requires, include references to an adopter.
(3) In Schedule 2, in a head note to a numbered Article, the descriptor following the number—
(a) is not part of the Hague Convention, and
(b) shall be considered to have been added editorially for convenience of reference only.
Annotations
Amendments:
F1
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(a), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F2
Inserted (4.09.2015) by Gender Recognition Act 2015 (25/2015), s. 32, S.I. No. 369 of 2015.
F3
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F4
Substituted (31.07.2011) by Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 (19/2011), s. 49(a), commenced on enactment.
F5
Inserted (4.05.2020) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(a), S.I. No. 80 of 2020.
F6
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(c), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F7
Deleted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(e), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F8
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(b), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F9
Substituted (4.05.2020) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(b), S.I. No. 80 of 2020.
F10
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(d), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F11
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(a), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F12
Inserted (4.05.2020) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 3(a), S.I. No. 80 of 2020.
Editorial Notes:
E9
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 102, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
References to making arrangements for adoption.
4.— In this Act, references to the making of arrangements for the adoption of a child (whether a domestic adoption or an intercountry adoption) shall be read as including references to the following activities:
(a) making any agreement or arrangement for, or facilitating, the adoption or maintenance of the child by any person;
(b) initiating or taking part in any negotiations the purpose or effect of which is the making of any such agreement or arrangement;
(c) causing another person to initiate or take part in any such negotiations;
(d) offering to enter into negotiations on behalf of the child’s parents or prospective adopters for the purpose of arranging an adoption;
(e) carrying out or making any arrangement for the carrying out of an assessment of eligibility and suitability;
(f) preparing reports on assessments of eligibility and suitability;
(g) providing information, advice and counselling concerning adoption to any prospective adopters;
(h) providing information, advice and counselling concerning adoption to a mother or guardian who proposes to place a child for adoption;
(i) providing information and advice concerning the child’s medical or other status in connection with adoption;
(j) placing a child with any prospective adopters;
(k) one or more of the following:
(i) assisting—
(I) adopted persons (18 years of age or over) in tracing their F13[parents] or other relatives, and
(II) F13[parents] or other relatives (18 years of age or over) of adopted persons in tracing the adopted persons;
(ii) counselling the persons described in subparagraph (i);
(iii) mediating between adopted persons described in subparagraph (i) and F13[parents] or other relatives, both as described in that subparagraph.
Annotations
Amendments:
F13
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 4, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E10
Adoption Act 2010 (Accredited Bodies) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 524 of 2010), regs. 8 and 9, confirmed not applicable to accredited bodies registered in respect of an activity mentioned in pars. (e), (f), (g) or (k) of section (4.11.2010) by Adoption Act 2010 (Accredited Bodies) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 524 of 2010), regs. 8(1) and 9(1), in effect as per reg. 2.
E11
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 103, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Supplemental provisions to section 4 in relation to certain intercountry adoptions.
5.— In addition but without prejudice to section 4, in this Act, references to making arrangements for the adoption of a child shall be read in relation to an intercountry adoption as including references to the following activities:
(a) contacting, directly or indirectly in connection with an intercountry adoption, any person, institution or authority in the child’s state of origin that is authorised by that state to make arrangements for adoption;
(b) preparing pre-adoption reports for the purpose of Article 20 (which relates to Central Authorities keeping each other informed) or of any provision of a bilateral agreement;
(c) transmitting to the Central Authority in the child’s state of origin the declaration of eligibility and suitability together with the assessment report prepared under section 37 and the recommendation made under section 39.
Chapter 2
Placement of Children for Adoption
Visits and enquiries pertaining to adoptions.
F15[12.— The Authority may authorise a member or employee of the Authority or of the Child and Family Agency to—
(a) visit the homes of the child, the guardians of the child, the applicants for an adoption order or the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State and the person having custody of the child for the purposes of an adoption, and
(b) make enquiries on behalf of the Authority.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F15
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 5, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
Editorial Notes:
E14
Previous affecting provision: subs. (2) substituted by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 105, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
PART 3
Placement for Adoption
Chapter 1
Interpretation
Interpretation (Part 3).
11.— In this Part—
“accredited body” includes the F14[Child and Family Agency];
“father”, in relation to a child, includes a person who believes himself to be the father of the child.
Annotations
Amendments:
F14
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Editorial Notes:
E13
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 104, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Chapter 2
Placement of Children for Adoption
Visits and enquiries pertaining to adoptions.
F15[12.— The Authority may authorise a member or employee of the Authority or of the Child and Family Agency to—
(a) visit the homes of the child, the guardians of the child, the applicants for an adoption order or the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State and the person having custody of the child for the purposes of an adoption, and
(b) make enquiries on behalf of the Authority.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F15
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 5, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
Editorial Notes:
E14
Previous affecting provision: subs. (2) substituted by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 105, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Restriction on placing child for adoption.
13.— An accredited body shall not place a child for adoption unless—
(a) the child has attained the age of 6 weeks,
(b) it does so only for adoption purposes under this Act, and
(c) it does so in accordance with this Act and the Hague Convention, in particular with Article 17 (which relates to when the state of origin may entrust a child to prospective adopters).
Explanation to mother or guardian as to effect of adoption.
14.— Where the mother or guardian of a child proposes to place the child with an accredited body for adoption, the accredited body, before accepting the child, shall—
(a) furnish the mother or guardian with a statement in writing explaining—
(i) that a placement for adoption is the beginning of the adoption process,
(ii) the effect of a placement for adoption upon the rights of a mother or guardian,
(iii) the effect of an adoption order upon the rights of a mother or guardian, and
(iv) the requirements specified in sections 26 to 28 in respect of the consents necessary under this Act in relation to an adoption order,
(b) ensure that the mother or guardian understands the statement and signs a document to that effect, and
(c) provide information, advice and counselling to the mother or guardian concerned.
Care of child pending placement.
15.— (1) Where a child has been placed with an accredited body for adoption, the accredited body, in accordance with such regulations as the Minister may make respecting arrangements—
(a) for the care of children, and
(b) for securing generally their welfare,
may arrange for appropriate care for the child, subject to the accredited body’s control and supervision, pending the placement of the child for adoption.
(2) Section 23P of the Child Care Act 1991 does not apply to—
(a) the making of an arrangement by an accredited body under subsection (1), or
(b) a person undertaking the care of a child under the arrangement.
Right of father who wishes to be consulted.
16.— F16[(1) A relevant non-guardian of a child, by notice to the Authority, may advise the Authority of his or her wish to be consulted in relation to—
(a) a proposal by an accredited body to place the child for adoption, or
(b) an application by the mother, step parent or relative of the child for an adoption order in respect of the child.]
(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall be in writing, be in such form and contain such information as is specified by the Authority and may be given to the Authority before the birth of the child concerned.
Annotations
Amendments:
F16
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 6, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E15
Previous affecting provision: section substituted by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 106, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Pre-placement consultation procedure.
F17[17.— (1) Where an accredited body proposes to place a child for adoption—
(a) the accredited body shall request the Authority in writing and in a form and manner approved by the Authority to provide the body with a copy of any notice received by the Authority under section 16(1) from a relevant non-guardian of that child, and
(b) the Authority shall—
(i) as soon as practicable, provide the notice (if any) to the accredited body, or
(ii) where at the time of the request under paragraph (a), it has not received any notice, so inform the accredited body and afterwards, if the Authority so receives a notice under section 16(1), provide the notice forthwith to the accredited body.
(2) Subject to this section and section 18, where an accredited body proposes to place a child for adoption, the accredited body shall, before placing the child for adoption, take such steps as are reasonably practicable, to consult any relevant non-guardian for the purposes of—
(a) informing him or her of the proposed adoption,
(b) explaining to him or her the legal implications of, and the procedures related to, adoption, and
(c) ascertaining whether or not he or she objects to the proposed adoption.
(3) Where—
(a) each relevant non-guardian of a child indicates to the accredited body that he or she has no objection to the proposed placement of the child concerned for adoption, the accredited body may at any time thereafter, place the child for adoption, or
(b) any relevant non-guardian objects to the proposed placement of the child for adoption, the accredited body shall—
(i) notify in writing in the prescribed manner each of the parents, guardians and relevant non-guardians of the child, informing them that it is deferring the placement for such period (in this section referred to as the “deferral period”) as is specified in the notice, being a period of not less than 21 days, commencing on the date of the notice, for the purpose of affording the relevant non-guardian an opportunity to make an application to court under the Act of 1964, and
(ii) defer the placement in accordance with the notification.
(4) Where an accredited body receives a notice that an application to court referred to in subsection (3) (b) (i) has been made in relation to a child, the accredited body shall not place the child for adoption until the proceedings are concluded.
(5) Where an accredited body has not received—
(a) a notice referred to in subsection (4) within the deferral period, and
(b) any indication from a relevant non-guardian under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (3) within 21 days of informing the person of the proposed placement of the child, as to whether or not he or she has any objection to the proposed placement,
the accredited body may, at any time thereafter, place the child for adoption unless it receives a notice under subsection (4).
(6) A person who is a party to an application referred to in subsection (3) (b) (i) may apply to court for, and the court, where it is in the best interests of the child, may grant, such order as it considers appropriate to expedite the proceedings, which order may include, but shall not be limited to an order—
(a) for substituted service, or
(b) abridging the time fixed by rules of court for taking any step or doing any act in the proceedings.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F17
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 7, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E16
Power pursuant to subs. (3) exercised (20.12.2017) by Adoption Act 2010 (Pre-Placement Consultation Procedure) (Forms) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 606 of 2017).
E17
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 107, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
E18
Previous affecting provision: forms prescribed for purposes of subs. (3)(b)(i) (3.11.2010) by Adoption Act 2010 (Pre-Placement Consultation Procedure) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 520 of 2010), reg. 3 and sch., in effect as per reg. 2; revoked (20.12.2017) by Adoption Act 2010 (Pre-Placement Consultation Procedure) (Forms) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 606 of 2017), reg. 4, in effect as per reg. 2.
Where father not consulted.
F18[18.— (1) If an accredited body is unable to consult a relevant non-guardian of a child for the purposes of section 17(2), the accredited body shall in a form and manner approved by the Authority, notify the Authority to that effect.
(2) The Authority may, if satisfied that the accredited body has taken such steps as are reasonably practicable to consult any relevant non-guardian, authorise the accredited body to place the child for adoption.
(3) At any time after being so authorised under subsection (2) the accredited body may place the child for adoption, but only if the accredited body has not been contacted by a relevant non-guardian indicating that he or she objects to the placement.
(4) Where upon application to it by an accredited body that proposes to place a child for adoption, the Authority is satisfied that, having regard to—
(a) the nature of the relationship between the relevant non-guardian and the person who proposes or persons who propose to place the child for adoption, or
(b) other than in a case where the relevant non-guardian of the child is a person referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of “relevant non-guardian”, the circumstances of the conception of the child,
it is inappropriate for the accredited body to contact the relevant non-guardian in respect of the placement of the child concerned—
(i) the Authority may, after obtaining the approval of the High Court, authorise the accredited body to place the child for adoption, and
(ii) the accredited body may, at any time after being so authorised, place the child for adoption.
(5) If the identity of the father, referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of “relevant non-guardian” (in this section referred to as “that father”), is unknown to an accredited body and the mother or guardian will not disclose the identity of that father, the accredited body shall—
(a) counsel the mother or guardian concerned in order to attempt to obtain his or her or their, as the case may be, co-operation, advising such person or persons—
(i) that the adoption may be delayed,
(ii) the possibility of that father of the child contesting the adoption at some later date,
(iii) that the absence of information about the medical, genetic and social background of the child may be detrimental to the health, development or welfare of that child, and
(iv) such other matters as the accredited body considers appropriate in the circumstances,
and
(b) where the mother or guardian concerned, after counselling, will not disclose the identity of that father, furnish the Authority with a written report of the counselling that the accredited body has so provided.
(6) Where the Authority receives a written report referred to in subsection (5)(b), and is satisfied that the accredited body—
(a) has taken such steps as are reasonably practicable to obtain the co-operation of the mother or guardian, and
(b) has no other practical way of ascertaining that father’s identity, then—
(i) the Authority may, after first obtaining the approval of the High Court, authorise the accredited body to place the child for adoption, and
(ii) the accredited body may, at any time after being so authorised, if it has not ascertained the identity of that father, place the child for adoption.
(7) Where the mother or guardian of a child provides or provide, as the case may be, an accredited body with a statutory declaration stating that he or she or they, as the case may be, is or are unable to identify that father, then—
(a) the Authority may, after first obtaining the approval of the High Court, authorise the accredited body to place the child for adoption, and
(b) the accredited body may, at any time thereafter, place the child for adoption, if the accredited body has not any other practical way of ascertaining that father’s identity.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F18
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 8, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
C4
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
Editorial Notes:
E19
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 108, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
E20
Previous affecting provisions: subs. (8) inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 10, S.I. No. 5 of 2014; substituted as per F-note above.
F19[
No pre-placement consultation required
18A.—F20[…]]
Annotations
Amendments:
F19
Inserted by Child and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 109, not commenced.
F20
Repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
PART 4
Domestic Adoptions and Intercountry Adoptions
Chapter 1
Adoption Orders and Consents to Adoption Orders
Welfare of child.
F21[19.— (1) In any matter, application or proceedings under this Act which is, or are, before—
(a) the Authority, or
(b) any court,
the Authority or the court, as the case may be, shall regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration in the resolution of such matter, application or proceedings.
(2) In determining for the purposes of subsection (1) what is in the best interests of the child, the Authority or the court, as the case may be, shall have regard to all of the factors or circumstances that it considers relevant to the child who is the subject of the matter, application or proceedings concerned including—
(a) the child’s age and maturity,
(b) the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the child,
(c) the likely effect of adoption on the child,
(d) the child’s views on his or her proposed adoption,
(e) the child’s social, intellectual and educational needs,
(f) the child’s upbringing and care,
(g) the child’s relationship with his or her parent, guardian or relative, as the case may be, and
(h) any other particular circumstances pertaining to the child concerned.
(3) In so far as practicable, in relation to any matter, application or proceedings referred to in subsection (1), in respect of any child who is capable of forming his or her own views, the Authority or the court, as the case may be, shall ascertain those views and such views shall be given due weight having regard to the age and maturity of the child.
(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), the Minister may make regulations prescribing the procedures by which the Authority or the court, as the case may be, shall determine how best to ascertain the views of the child, in so far as practicable, in any matter, application or proceedings, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such regulations may—
(a) make provision for the procedures that are to apply to enable a child to present his or her views in person or in writing or by other means (including by electronic means) to the Authority or the court, as the case may be,
(b) make provision for the procedures that are to apply to enable a child to nominate an appropriate person to present the child’s views orally or in writing or by other means (including by electronic means) to the Authority or the court, as the case may be,
(c) prescribe as appropriate persons—
(i) a class or classes of persons who, in the opinion of the Minister having regard to the functions to be performed by members of such class or classes of persons under this section, are suitable to be appropriate persons for the purposes of such functions, or
(ii) a class or classes of persons who, in the opinion of the Minister having considered the qualifications, training and expertise of such class or classes of persons by reference to the functions to be performed by members of such class or classes of persons under this section, are suitable to be appropriate persons for the purposes of such functions,
(d) make provision for the procedures that are to apply in respect of any consultation by the Authority or the court, as the case may be, with a child or an appropriate person,
(e) make provision for the consultation by the Child and Family Agency with a child for the purpose of ascertaining his or her views and for the procedures relating thereto, including procedures relating to the preparation and submission of any written reports arising from such consultation to the Authority or the court, as the case may be,
(f) prescribe the standards to be applied by an appropriate person to the performance by the person of his or her functions under this section,
(g) prescribe the allowable expenses that may be charged by an appropriate person referred to in paragraph (c)(i) and the fees and allowable expenses that may be charged by an appropriate person referred to in paragraph (c)(ii),
(h) make provision for such other matters as the Minister considers necessary to ensure that appropriate persons are capable of performing their functions under this section.
(5) Regulations under this section may—
(a) make different provision in relation to—
(i) children of different ages and maturity, or
(ii) different classes of appropriate persons,
and
(b) contain such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of the regulations.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F21
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 9, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Authority’s power to make adoption order or recognise intercountry adoption effected outside State.
20.— (1) On the application of a person, or persons if they are F22[a married couple, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple], desiring to adopt a child, the Authority may make an adoption order for the adoption of the child by the applicant or applicants, as the case may be.
(2) On the application of the adopters of a child adopted in an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, the Authority may recognise the intercountry adoption effected outside the State.
(3) Where the applicants are F22[a married couple, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple]—
(a) the adoption order shall be for the adoption of the child by them jointly, or
(b) the recognition referred to in subsection (2) shall be for the recognition of the intercountry adoption effected outside the State of the child by them jointly.
(4) In making an adoption order, the Authority is required to take into account—
(a) the relevant assessment report prepared under section 37, and
(b) the relevant declaration of eligibility and suitability if one has been issued under section 40.
(5) In recognising an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, the Authority may take into account—
(a) the relevant instrument prepared by or on behalf of the Central Authority of that other state that is the equivalent of the assessment report referred to in subsection (4)(a), and
(b) the relevant instrument prepared by or on behalf of the Central Authority of that other state that is the equivalent of a declaration of eligibility and suitability.
(6) Where an application is made to the Authority under this section, the Authority, of its own motion or on the application of an interested person, may adjourn from time to time the making of a decision whether to make or refuse to make the adoption order or to recognise the intercountry adoption effected outside the State, as the case may be.
Annotations
Amendments:
F22
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 10, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E21
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 110, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Discontinuance of proceedings for adoption order or for recognition of intercountry adoption effected outside State.
21.— (1) By notice delivered to the F23[Child and Family Agency] at any time after an application under section 20, the applicant or applicants may discontinue the proceedings that are the subject of that application, without liability for any costs of the proceedings.
F24[(2) The Child and Family Agency shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice under subsection (1), give notice of the discontinuance to—
(a) the Authority,
(b) any adoption committee concerned,
(c) the mother and any other guardians of the child, and
(d) each relevant non-guardian of the child.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F23
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F24
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 11, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E22
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s.111, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
E23
Previous affecting provision: subs. (2) amended (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013; substituted as per F-note above.
Contribution by Child and Family Agency towards adoption expenses.
22.— The F25[Child and Family Agency], at its discretion, may contribute towards the expenses incurred by any person in connection with an application under section 20 in relation to a child towards whose support that body is entitled to contribute.
Annotations
Amendments:
F25
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Children who may be adopted.
F26[23.— (1) The Authority shall not make an adoption order in respect of a child unless—
(a) the child—
(i) resides in the State, and
(ii) is, at the date of the making of the adoption order, less than 18 years of age,
and
(b) the child has—
(i) in a case where the applicant is a step parent of the child, a home with the child’s parent and that step parent, for a continuous period of not less than 2 years at the date of the application for the adoption order, or
(ii) in any other case, been in the care of the applicants for the prescribed period (if any).
(2) The Authority, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case, may make an adoption order in respect of a child notwithstanding that the child has not—
(a) in a case where the applicant is a step parent of the child, a home with the child’s parent and that step parent, for a continuous period of not less than 2 years at the date of the application for the adoption order, or
(b) in any other case, been in the care of the applicants for the prescribed period under subsection (1)(b)(ii).]
Annotations
Amendments:
F26
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 12, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Exception if child older than 7 years.
24.— F27[…]
Annotations
Amendments:
F27
Repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(1), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Correction of adoption order.
25.— The Authority, of its own motion or on the application of an interested person, may amend an adoption order by correcting any error in the particulars contained in it.
Chapter 2
Consents to Adoption Orders
Consents to adoption orders.
26.— (1) The Authority shall not make an adoption order without the consent of every person, being the child’s mother or guardian or other person having charge of or control over the child, unless the Authority dispenses with the consent—
(a) with the sanction of the High Court if the person whose consent is necessary is a ward of court,
(b) in accordance with an authorisation of the High Court by order under this section, if—
(i) the person whose consent is necessary is not a ward of court, and
(ii) the High Court is satisfied that the person is incapable by reason of mental infirmity of giving consent or cannot be found,
(c) in accordance with an authorisation of the High Court by order under section 31 in a case to which that section applies, or
(d) in accordance with an authorisation of the High Court by order under section 54 in a case to which that section applies.
(2) A person may give consent to the making of an adoption order without knowing the identity of the applicant for the order.
(3) A consent shall be given in writing in the prescribed form.
(4) A consent may be withdrawn at any time before the making of an adoption order.
Annotations
Editorial Notes:
E24
Power pursuant to subs. (3) exercised (27.11.2017) by Adoption Act 2010 (Consent to Adoption Order) (Forms) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 535 of 2017), in effect as per reg. 2.
E25
Previous affecting provision: forms prescribed for purposes of section (2.11.2010) by Adoption Act 2010 (Consent to Adoption Order) (Forms) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 519 of 2010), reg. 3 and sch., in effect as per reg. 2; revoked (27.11.2017) by Adoption Act 2010 (Consent to Adoption Order) (Forms) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 535 of 2017), reg. 4, in effect as per reg. 2.
Information for persons about consenting to adoption orders.
27.— (1) A person whose consent to the making of an adoption order is necessary—
(a) shall be informed before he or she gives the consent or as soon as may be after giving it—
(i) that the consent may be withdrawn at any time before the making of the order,
(ii) that he or she is entitled to be heard on the application for the order, and
(iii) of the discretion of the High Court under subsection (3) of section 31, despite a subsequent withdrawal of the consent, to authorise the Authority to dispense with the consent in accordance with that section,
and
(b) shall be asked, on or after giving the consent, to state in writing whether he or she wishes—
(i) to be informed of the date on which the Authority, if the person wishes to be heard, will hear the person or his or her counsel or solicitor on the application for the order, or
(ii) otherwise to be consulted again in relation to the application for the order.
(2) If a person whose consent to the making of an adoption order is necessary states that he or she does not wish to be—
(a) informed as set out in subsection (1)(b)(i), or
(b) otherwise to be consulted again as set out in subsection (1)(b)(ii),
it is not necessary so to inform or consult him or her.
(3) If the person does not so state, he or she shall be both informed and consulted in accordance with subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of subsection (1)(b), unless he or she cannot be found, in which case the Authority is required to deal with the application as if the person had not given the consent.
Validity of consent.
28.— (1) A consent to the making of an adoption order is not valid unless given—
(a) after the child concerned has attained the age of 6 weeks, and
(b) not earlier than 3 months before the application for adoption.
(2) The Authority shall satisfy itself that every person whose consent to the making of an adoption order is necessary and has not been dispensed with—
(a) has given the consent, and
(b) understands the nature and effect of the consent and of the adoption order.
Enquiries on behalf of Authority.
29.— (1) For the purposes of sections 27 and 28, the Authority may request and authorise any person either in or outside the State whom the Authority considers suitable for the purpose to—
(a) make enquiries on its behalf, and
(b) report to it the results of the enquiries.
(2) The Authority is entitled, if it accepts the report as satisfactory, to regard that acceptance—
(a) as sufficiently demonstrating the Authority’s compliance with section 27 as to the subject matter of the enquiries, and
(b) as compliance by the Authority with section 28 (2).
Consultation with father.
F28[30.— (1) In this section “father”, in relation to a child, includes a person who believes himself to be the father of the child.
(2) Subject to this section, on the receipt of an application for an adoption order, the Authority shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that every relevant non-guardian of the child is consulted in relation to the adoption.
(3) Where the Authority is satisfied that, having regard to—
(a) the nature of the relationship between the relevant non-guardian of a child and the mother or guardian of the child, or
(b) other than in a case where the relevant non-guardian of the child is a person referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of “relevant non-guardian”, the circumstances of the conception of the child,
it would be inappropriate for the Authority to consult the relevant non- guardian in respect of the adoption of that child, the Authority may, after first obtaining the approval of the High Court, make the adoption order without consulting the relevant non-guardian concerned.
(4) If the identity of the father referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of “relevant non-guardian” (in this section referred to as “that father”), is unknown to the Authority and the mother or guardian of the child will not or is unable to disclose the identity of that father, the Authority shall counsel the mother or guardian of the child, indicating—
(a) that the adoption may be delayed,
(b) the possibility of that father of the child contesting the adoption at some later date,
(c) that the absence of information about the medical, genetic and social background of the child may be detrimental to the health, development or welfare of the child, and
(d) such other matters as the Authority considers appropriate in the circumstances.
(5) After counselling the mother or guardian of the child under subsection (4), the Authority may, after first obtaining the approval of the High Court, make the adoption order without consulting that father if—
(a) the mother or guardian of the child either refuses to reveal the identity of that father of the child, or provides the Authority with a statutory declaration that he or she is unable to identify that father, and
(b) the Authority has no other practical means of ascertaining the identity of that father.
(6) The Child and Family Agency or an accredited body, at the Authority’s request, shall assist in carrying out the Authority’s functions under this section.
(7) An application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F28
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 13, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
C5
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
Editorial Notes:
E26
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 112, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
E27
Previous affecting provision: subs. (8) inserted (3.02.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 566 of 2013; substituted as per F-note above.
High Court may give custody of child to prospective adopters and authorise dispensing with consent to adoption.
F29[31. (1) In this section “applicants” means the person or persons referred to in subsection (2)(a).
(2) Where—
(a) a person has or persons have applied for an adoption order, and
(b) a person whose consent to the making of the adoption order is necessary under section 26, and who has agreed to the placing of the child concerned for adoption either—
(i) fails, neglects or refuses to give his or her consent to the adoption, or
(ii) having previously consented to the adoption, withdraws his or her consent,
the applicants for the adoption order may apply to the High Court for an order under subsection (3).
(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), the High Court may make an order—
(a) giving custody of the child to the applicants for a specified period, and
(b) authorising the Authority to dispense with the consent of any person whose consent to the making of the adoption order is necessary under section 26 to the adoption of the child by the applicants, with the adoption to be effected by an adoption order made during that specified period of custody.
(4) In considering any application under subsection (2), the High Court shall—
(a) have regard to the following:
(i) the relationship between the applicants and the child who is the subject of the application;
(ii) the relationship between the child and his or her mother or guardian, as the case may be, and the efforts made by any of those persons to develop or maintain a relationship with the child;
(iii) the proposed arrangements of the applicants and the mother or guardian or other person whose consent to the making of the adoption order is necessary under section 26, as the case may be, for the future care of the child;
(iv) the rights, whether under the Constitution or otherwise, of the persons concerned (including the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child);
(v) any other matter which the Court considers relevant to the application,
and
(b) in so far as is practicable, in a case where the child concerned is capable of forming his or her own views, give due weight to the views of that child, having regard to the age and maturity of the child,
and, in the resolution of any such application, the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.
(5) If a person whose consent is necessary under section 26 is a ward of court, his or her consent shall not be dispensed with, pursuant to an order under this section, except with the sanction of the court which granted the order for wardship.
(6) Proceedings under this section shall be heard in private.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F29
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 14, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Modifications (not altering text):
C6
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
Editorial Notes:
E28
Previous affecting provision: subs. (5) inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 12, S.I. No. 5 of 2014; substituted as per F-note above.
E29
Previous affecting provision: application of subs. (5) restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40; amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31(a), S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014; substituted as per F-note above.
Religion.
F30[32. Notwithstanding section 20, in a case where—
(a) the applicant or applicants, as the case may be,
(b) the child, and
(c) every person whose consent to the making of an adoption order is necessary under section 26,
are not all of the same religion (if of any religion), the Authority shall not make an adoption order unless every person whose consent to the making of an adoption order is necessary under section 26 knows, when so consenting, the religion (if any) of the applicant or each of the applicants, as the case may be.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F30
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 15, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E30
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 113, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Chapter 3
Eligibility and Suitability to Adopt
Persons eligible for adoption order or recognition of intercountry adoption effected outside State.
33.— (1) (a) The Authority shall not make an adoption order, or recognise an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, unless—
(i) the applicants are a married couple who are living together,
F31[(ia) the applicants are civil partners of each other who are living together,
(ib) the applicants are a cohabiting couple,]
F32[(ii) the applicant is a parent, step parent or relative of the child, or]
(iii) the applicant, notwithstanding that he or she does not fall within subparagraph (ii), satisfies the Authority that, in the particular circumstances, the adoption is desirable and in the best interests of the child.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the Authority may recognise an intercountry adoption effected outside the State on the application of a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3).
(2) Except as provided in subsection (1)(a), the Authority shall not make an adoption order, or recognise an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, for the adoption of a child by more than one person.
(3) Where an applicant for an adoption order is married, or an applicant, other than an applicant who is a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3), for the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State is married, the Authority shall not make the adoption order, or recognise the intercountry adoption effected outside the State, without the consent of the applicant’s spouse, given in the manner determined by the Authority, unless—
(a) the couple are living apart under—
(i) a decree of judicial separation under section 3 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989,
(ii) a decree or order to like effect that was granted under the law of another jurisdiction and that is recognised in the State, or
(iii) a deed of separation,
(b) the spouse has deserted the applicant, or
(c) conduct on the part of the spouse results in the applicant, with just cause, separating from the spouse and living apart from him or her.
F33[(3A) Where an applicant—
(a) for an adoption order, or
(b) for the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, other than an applicant who is a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3),
is a civil partner of another person who is not an applicant, the Authority shall not make the adoption order, or recognise the intercountry adoption effected outside the State, without the consent of that applicant’s civil partner, given in the manner determined by the Authority unless—
(i) the applicant and the applicant’s civil partner are living apart under a separation agreement,
(ii) the civil partner has deserted the applicant, or
(iii) conduct on the part of the civil partner results in the applicant, with just cause, leaving the civil partner and living separately and apart from him or her.
(3B) Where an applicant—
(a) for an adoption order, or
(b) for the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, other than an applicant who is a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3),
is a cohabitant of another person who is not an applicant, the Authority shall not make the adoption order, or recognise the intercountry adoption effected outside the State, without the consent of that other person given in the manner determined by the Authority.]
(4) The Authority shall not make an adoption order or, except where the applicant is a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3), recognise an intercountry adoption effected outside the State, unless—
(a) the applicant and, if the applicants are F34[a married couple, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple], each of them has attained the age of 21 years, or
(b) the applicants are F35[a married couple, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple] and one of them is F35[a parent] or a relative of the child and either of them has attained the age of 21 years.
(5) Subject to subsection (6) and section 81, the Authority shall not make an adoption order unless the applicant or, if the applicants are F36[a married couple living together, a couple who are civil partners of each other living together or a cohabiting couple], each of them, is habitually resident in the State.
(6) Subsection (5) does not prevent the Authority, for the purpose of an intercountry adoption effected in the State, from making an adoption order in favour of an applicant who, or, if the applicants are F37[a married couple living together, a couple who are civil partners of each other living together or a cohabiting couple], each of whom, is habitually resident in—
(a) another contracting state,
(b) a state that has a bilateral agreement with the State, or
(c) a state that has an arrangement referred to in section 81 with the State.
(7) The Authority shall issue policy guidelines respecting the circumstances in which an adoption order in favour of an applicant referred to in subsection (1)(a)(iii) may be made.
Annotations
Amendments:
F31
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(a)(i), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F32
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(a)(ii), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F33
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(b), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F34
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(c)(i), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F35
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(c)(ii), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F36
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(d), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F37
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 16(e), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E31
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 114, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Persons suitable for adoption order or recognition of intercountry adoption effected outside State.
34.— The Authority shall not make an adoption order or, except where the applicant is a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 90(3), recognise an intercountry adoption, unless the Authority is satisfied that the applicant or, if the applicants are F38[a married couple living together, a couple who are civil partners of each other living together or a cohabiting couple], each of them—
(a) is a suitable person to have parental rights and duties in respect of the child, and
(b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), is of good moral character, in good health and of an age so that he or she has a reasonable expectation of being capable throughout the child’s childhood of—
(i) fulfilling his or her parental duties in respect of the child,
(ii) promoting and supporting the child’s development and well-being,
(iii) safeguarding and supporting the child’s welfare,
(iv) providing the necessary health, social, educational and other interventions for the child, and
(v) valuing and supporting the child’s needs in relation to his or her—
(I) identity, and
(II) ethnic, religious and cultural background,
(c) has adequate financial means to support the child, and
(d) has been provided with appropriate information, advice and counselling concerning adoption.
Annotations
Amendments:
F38
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 17, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E32
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 115, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Chapter 4
Adoption Committees
Applicants defined.
35.— In sections 36 to 39, “applicants” means persons who apply to the F39[Child and Family Agency] under section 37(1), and, if there is only one applicant, means that applicant.
Annotations
Amendments:
F39
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Adoption committees of Child and Family Agency
36.— (1) The F40[Child and Family Agency] shall establish one or more adoption committees.
(2) The functions of an adoption committee are—
(a) to advise and assist the Authority in the performance of its functions under this Act and section 6 of the Child Care Act 1991, and
(b) to make recommendations to the Authority under section 39 concerning the issuance to applicants of declarations of eligibility and suitability.
(3) The membership of an adoption committee may include persons who are not employees of the F40[Child and Family Agency] but have special knowledge and experience related to the purposes of the committee.
(4) The F40[Child and Family Agency] may make payments to a member of an adoption committee in respect of travelling and subsistence expenses incurred by the member in relation to the business of the committee.
(5) Payments made under this section shall be in accordance with a scale determined by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
Annotations
Amendments:
F40
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Chapter 5
Application by Prospective Adopters for Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability
Application to Child and Family Agency for Authority to issue declaration of eligibility and suitability.
37.— (1) F42[A person habitually resident in the State, a step parent, a married couple married to each other, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple], each of whom is habitually resident in the State, may apply to the F41[Child and Family Agency] for—
(a) an assessment of eligibility and suitability in relation to himself, herself or themselves, and
(b) the issuance by the Authority of a declaration of eligibility and suitability in accordance with that assessment.
(2) An application under subsection (1) shall—
(a) be made in writing addressed to an office of the F41[Child and Family Agency],
(b) be made in conjunction with a separate application under this Act by the applicants for an adoption order or the recognition of an intercountry adoption including in the circumstances discussed in section 81, and
(c) specify which state is the habitual residence of the child the applicants propose to adopt under their separate application referred to in paragraph (b).
(3) As soon as practicable after the F41[Child and Family Agency] receives an application under subsection (1), the F41[Child and Family Agency] shall take the following steps concerning the adoption proposed under the separate application referred to in subsection (2)(b) or arrange for the steps to be taken by an accredited body:
(a) providing information, advice and counselling to the applicants;
(b) carrying out an assessment of eligibility and suitability in relation to the applicants;
(c) preparing an assessment report that conforms to paragraph (1) of Article 15 (which relates to reports by Central Authorities of receiving states) and that includes—
(i) the information described in Article 15, and
(ii) a finding as to the eligibility and suitability of the applicants.
(4) As soon as practicable after preparing the assessment report referred to in subsection (3)(c), the F41[Child and Family Agency] shall refer the report to an adoption committee for the latter’s recommendation to the Authority under section 39(1).
F43[(5) A person may make an application for an adoption order in respect of a child where, at the date of the application—
(a) the person is—
(i) a spouse of a parent of the child,
(ii) a civil partner of a parent of the child, or
(iii) a cohabitant in a cohabiting couple where the other cohabitant is a parent of the child,
and
(b) the child, in respect of whom the adoption order is sought, has a home with the child’s parent and that person (in this Act referred to as a “step parent”), for a continuous period of not less than 2 years.
(6) The Authority, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case may accept an application for an adoption order in respect of a child notwithstanding that the child has not a home with the child’s parent and that step parent, for a continuous period of not less than 2 years at the date of the application.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F41
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F42
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 18(a), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F43
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 18(b), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E33
Child and Family Agency empowered to make regulations specifying charges in relation to services provided under section (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 95(1)(b), S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
E34
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 116, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Discontinuance by applicants of proceedings for issuance of declaration of eligibility and suitability.
38.— (1) By notice delivered to the F44[Child and Family Agency] at any time after an application under section 37(1), the applicants may discontinue the proceedings that are the subject of that application, without liability for any costs of the proceedings.
F45[(2) The Child and Family Agency shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice under subsection (1), give notice of the discontinuance to—
(a) the Authority,
(b) any adoption committee concerned,
(c) the mother and any other guardian of the child, and
(d) each relevant non-guardian of the child.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F44
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F45
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 19, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E35
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 117, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Recommendation of adoption committee regarding issuance of declaration of eligibility and suitability.
39.— (1) As soon as practicable after the receipt of the assessment report referred to it under section 37(4), the adoption committee shall—
(a) consider the report, and
(b) recommend to the Authority, in writing, whether or not, under section 40, the Authority should issue a declaration of eligibility and suitability in favour of the applicants.
(2) A recommendation under subsection (1) shall contain the committee’s reasons for it.
(3) The committee shall deliver a copy of the recommendation and of the assessment report to the Authority, the F46[Child and Family Agency] and the applicants.
Annotations
Amendments:
F46
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Chapter 6
Authority’s Power to Issue Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to Prospective Adopters
Authority may issue declaration of eligibility and suitability.
40.— (1) The Authority may issue a declaration of eligibility and suitability in favour of F47[a person, a married couple married to each other, a couple who are civil partners of each other or a cohabiting couple] who have applied under this Act to the Authority for, as may be appropriate, an adoption order, or the recognition of an intercountry adoption, in relation to a child habitually resident—
(a) in the State (a domestic adoption),
(b) in another contracting state (an intercountry adoption),
(c) in a state that has a bilateral agreement with the State (an intercountry adoption), or
(d) in the circumstances described in section 81 (an adoption in an exceptional case), in a non-contracting state that is not a party to a bilateral agreement.
(2) A declaration of eligibility and suitability may be issued only if, having considered both the assessment report prepared under section 37 and the adoption committee’s recommendation under section 39, the Authority is satisfied—
(a) that the applicant or, in the case of applicants who are F47[a married couple living together, a couple who are civil partners of each other living together or a cohabiting couple], each of them comes within the classes of persons in whose favour an adoption order may, by virtue of section 33, be made or an intercountry adoption may, by virtue of that section, be recognised, and
(b) as to the matters specified in section 34 in relation to the applicant or, in the case of applicants who are a married couple living together, each of them.
(3) When issuing a declaration of eligibility and suitability, the Authority may include in it a statement relating to the age or state of health of a child whom the Authority considers that the applicant or applicants are suited to parent.
(4) If the Authority is not satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (2), it may refuse to issue a declaration of eligibility and suitability in favour of F47[the person, married couple, civil partners or cohabiting couple] referred to in subsection (1), having first given him, her or them an opportunity to be heard.
(5) A declaration of eligibility and suitability is not to be issued or refused if the Authority has received an applicable notice of discontinuance under section 21 or 38.
Annotations
Amendments:
F47
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 20, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E36
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 118, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Expiration of declaration of eligibility and suitability.
41.— (1) A declaration of eligibility and suitability expires after—
(a) 24 months from the date of issuance of the declaration, or
(b) a further period of not more than 12 months that the Authority may specify on application made to the Authority by the F48[person, married couple, civil partners or cohabiting couple] concerned within those 24 months.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if—
(a) during the 24 months referred to in that subsection, together with the further period, if any, specified by the Authority under that subsection, and
(b) before the making of an adoption order, or the recognition of an intercountry adoption, for which the declaration referred to in that subsection was issued,
new information about the applicant’s or applicants’ eligibility and suitability to adopt has become available or there has been a change in the relevant circumstances, the Authority, after—
(i) reconsidering the declaration of eligibility and suitability, and
(ii) giving the F48[person, married couple, civil partners or cohabiting couple] concerned, an opportunity to be heard,
may either—
(I) amend the declaration of eligibility and suitability by attaching specified conditions to it, including but not limited to a condition that the eligibility and suitability of the F48[person, married couple, civil partners or cohabiting couple] be reconsidered at a hearing before the Authority, or
(II) withdraw the declaration if the Authority considers that it would not be proper, having regard to this Act, to make the adoption order or recognise the intercountry adoption.
Annotations
Amendments:
F48
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 21, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E37
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 119, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Proof of declaration of eligibility and suitability.
42.— A document purporting to be—
(a) a copy of or extract from a declaration of eligibility and suitability, and
(b) certified by an officer of the Authority to be a true copy of or extract from the declaration,
shall—
(i) be received in evidence in any legal proceedings, and
(ii) until the contrary is proved, be deemed to be a true copy of or extract from the declaration and to be evidence of such declaration,
without proof of the signature of the officer of the Authority.
PART 5
Adoption Proceedings Before the Authority
Hearing of applications.
43.— (1) The following persons are entitled to be heard on an application for an adoption order:
(a) the applicant;
(b) the child;
(c) the mother of the child;
(d) the father of the child or the person who believes himself to be the father;
F49[(da) any other relevant non-guardian of the child;]
F50[(e) any guardian of the child;]
(f) the person who immediately before the placing of the child for adoption had charge of or control over the child;
(g) a relative of the child;
(h) a representative of—
(i) an accredited body, or
(ii) the F51[Child and Family Agency],
which is or has been at any time concerned with the child;
(i) an employee of the Authority;
(j) another person whom the Authority, in its discretion, decides to hear.
(2) A person who is entitled to be heard may be represented by counsel or a solicitor.
(3) The Authority, of its own initiative or on the application of an interested person, may hear the application wholly or partly in private.
(4) Where the Authority has notice of proceedings pending in any court in regard to the custody of a child in respect of whom an application is before the Authority, the Authority shall make no order in the matter until the proceedings have been disposed of.
(5) For the purposes of section 53, a reference to a person in paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (1) of this section shall be read in so far as it applies to a child in respect of whom an adoption order is in force or who is the subject of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State that has been recognised under this Act, as a reference to the adopters or the surviving adopter under the order or intercountry adoption effected outside the State.
Annotations
Amendments:
F49
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 22(a), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F50
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 22(b), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
F51
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2 part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
Editorial Notes:
E38
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 120, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Interim orders as to custody in adoption proceedings.
44.— (1) In circumstances in which it is lawful to make an adoption order, the Authority, on application for such an order, may—
(a) adjourn the application for the adoption order, and
(b) make an interim order,
giving custody of the child to the applicant for a probationary period not exceeding 2 years.
(2) The Authority may attach, to the interim order, conditions in regard to the maintenance, education and supervision of the welfare of the child.
(3) After providing an opportunity to be heard to the person who has custody of the child under the interim order, the Authority may revoke the interim order.
(4) The Authority shall revoke the interim order at the request of—
(a) the person to whom custody of the child has been given, or
(b) the mother or guardian of the child.
(5) A person shall not fail or refuse to comply with a condition of an interim order made under subsection (1).
Re-adoption.
F52[45.— Where a child, in respect of whom an adoption order is in force or an intercountry adoption effected outside the State that has been recognised, is further placed for adoption—
(a) a further adoption order may be made in respect of the child, and
(b) for the purposes of the order, the child concerned shall be taken to be the lawful child of the adopter or adopters in whose favour the first-mentioned adoption order or intercountry adoption effected outside the State was made or recognised, as the case may be.]
Annotations
Amendments:
F52
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 23, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Power to summon witnesses, etc.
46.— (1) For the purposes of any proceedings before it under this Act, the Authority may—
(a) summon witnesses to attend before it,
(b) examine on oath the witnesses attending before it, or
(c) require any such witness to produce to the Authority any document in the power or control of the witness.
(2) A witness before the Authority is entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he or she were a witness before the High Court.
(3) A person shall not—
(a) on being duly summoned as a witness before the Authority, make default in attending, or
(b) being in attendance as a witness, refuse to—
(i) take an oath legally required by the Authority to be taken,
(ii) produce any document in the witness’s power or control legally required by the Authority to be produced by the witness, or
(iii) answer any question to which the Authority may legally require an answer.
(4) Where a witness (other than an applicant for an adoption order or for the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State) attends before the Authority in pursuance of a summons issued on the initiative of the Authority, the Authority, if it thinks fit, may pay to the witness a sum—
(a) for expenses incurred by the witness in connection with the attendance, and
(b) in accordance with a scale prescribed by the Minister, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance.
Service of documents.
47.— A summons, notice or other document required or authorised by or under this Act to be issued by the Authority to any person may be served by registered post.
Evidence.
48.— The Authority may take evidence orally or on affidavit.
Case stated for High Court.
49.— (1) The Authority may refer any question of law arising on an application for an adoption order or the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State to the High Court for determination.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Authority, unless it considers a question of law arising on an application for an adoption order or the recognition of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State to be frivolous, shall refer the question of law to the High Court for determination if requested to do so by—
(a) an applicant for the order or the recognition of the intercountry adoption effected outside the State,
(b) the mother or guardian of the child, or
(c) any person having charge of or control over the child.
(3) The Authority shall refer any question in relation to public policy arising with respect to entries in the register of intercountry adoptions to the High Court for determination.
(4) Subject to rules of court, a question referred under this section to the High Court may be heard in private.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C7
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
PART 6
Related Court Proceedings
Relevant adoption not to be declared invalid if declaration not in child’s best interests.
50.— (1) A relevant adoption shall not be declared invalid by a court if, after hearing any persons who the court considers ought to be heard, it is satisfied that—
(a) the declaration would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, and
(b) it would be proper not to make the declaration, having regard to those interests and to the rights under the Constitution of all persons concerned.
(2) A relevant adoption, unless declared invalid by a court, shall be deemed for all purposes to be, and at all times since its making to have been valid.
(3) For the purposes of this section, “relevant adoption” means an adoption order, an intercountry adoption effected outside the State or an entry in the register of intercountry adoptions that relates to an intercountry adoption.
Orders by court as to custody of children in certain cases.
51.— (1) If, in any proceedings, an adoption order is declared invalid by a court and the child concerned is in the custody of—
(a) the person or persons in whose favour the adoption order was made, or
(b) any other person or persons not being the person or persons who sought the declaration of invalidity,
the court shall not make an order in those proceedings as to the custody of the child except in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) The court may make the order referred to in subsection (1), as to the custody of the child, if—
(a) the order is sought in the proceedings referred to in subsection (1), and
(b) the court is satisfied that, by reason of—
(i) the fact that any person having custody of the child has been joined in the proceedings, and
(ii) the other circumstances of the case,
it is in the interests of justice that the question of the custody of the child should be determined in those proceedings rather than in separate proceedings.
(3) However, if the court decides, in accordance with subsection (2), to determine the question of the custody of the child, the court shall do so subject to section 3 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (1)—
(a) the person or persons in whose favour an adoption order is made, or
(b) any other person or persons having custody of the adopted child,
shall not, without the consent of the court, be joined or otherwise heard in any proceedings in a court in which the validity of the order is an issue.
(5) In deciding whether to give consent under subsection (4), the court may take into account submissions made to it by the Authority or by any other interested person relating to—
(a) the identification, at the time of the submissions, of the person or persons concerned, or
(b) any other relevant matter.
PART 7
Adoption Orders in Exceptional Cases and Role of High Court
Interpretation (Part ).
52.— (1) In this Part, “parents”—
(a) includes a surviving parent, and
(b) in relation to a child in respect of whom an adoption order is in force or who is the subject of an intercountry adoption effected outside the State that has been recognised, means—
(i) the adopters, or
(ii) the surviving adopter,
under the order.
(2) References in this Part to—
(a) persons in whose favour the Authority has made a declaration under section 53(1), or
(b) persons applying for an adoption order,
in the case of—
(i) a declaration in favour of one person, or
(ii) an application by one person,
are references to that person.
Adoption orders in relation to children where High Court order under section 54 applies.
53.— (1) The Authority shall adjourn an application for an adoption order made to it and declare that it will make the adoption order if the High Court, by order under section 54(2), authorises it to do so, if—
(a) the Authority has heard—
(i) the F53[Child and Family Agency],
(ii) any persons specified in paragraphs (a) to (h) of section 43(1) who wish to be heard, and
(iii) any other person whom the Authority, in its discretion, decides to hear,
(b) but for this Part, the Authority would not have power to make the order, and
(c) it is satisfied that, if an order of the High Court under section 54 (2) were made in favour of the applicants in respect of the child concerned, it would be proper to make the adoption order.
(2) Where—
(a) a High Court order is made under section 54 (2), and
F54[(b) an appeal against the order—
(i) is not brought or the order is confirmed on appeal by the Court of Appeal, and
(ii) is not brought (whether under Article 34.5.4° or on appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal) or the order is confirmed on appeal by the Supreme Court,]
then, subject to subsection (3), at the request of the person or persons in whose favour the High Court order was made, the Authority, notwithstanding section 23, shall make an adoption order in relation to the child to whom the High Court order applies, in favour of that person or those persons.
(3) The Authority shall not make an adoption order under subsection (2) if the Authority is satisfied that the relevant circumstances have so changed since the date of the declaration under subsection (1) that it would not be proper, having regard to this Act, to make the adoption order.
(4) Section 44 does not apply in relation to a request to the Authority for an adoption order under subsection (2).
(5) Where an adoption order is made under subsection (2) in relation to a child for whom a previous adoption order has been made, the child shall be taken, for the purposes of the first-mentioned order, to be the lawful child of the adopters under the previous order.
Annotations
Amendments:
F53
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F54
Substituted (28.10.2014) by Court of Appeal Act 2014 (18/2014), s. 74(3) and sch. 2, S.I. No. 479 of 2014, in effect as per art. 2(f).
Orders by High Court authorising Authority to make adoption orders for children whose parents fail in their duty towards them.
54.— (1) Where applicants, in whose favour the Authority has made a declaration under section 53(1), request the F55[Child and Family Agency] to apply to the High Court for an order under this section—
F56[(a) if the Child and Family Agency is satisfied that every reasonable effort has been made to support the parents of the child to whom the declaration under section 53(1) relates,]
(a) if the F55[Child and Family Agency] considers it proper to do so and an application in accordance with paragraph (b) has not been made by the applicants, the F55[Child and Family Agency] may apply to the High Court for the order, and
(b) if, within the period of 3 months from the day on which the request was given, the F55[Child and Family Agency] either—
(i) by notice in writing given to the applicants, declines to accede to the request, or
(ii) does not give the applicants a notice under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in relation to the request but does not make an application under paragraph (a) for the order,
the applicants may apply to the High Court for the order.
F57[(2) On an application being made under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1), the High Court by order may authorise the Authority to make an adoption order in relation to the child in favour of the applicants and to dispense with the consent of any person whose consent is necessary to the making of the adoption order.]
F58[(2A) Before making an order under subsection (2), the High Court shall be satisfied that—
(a) for a continuous period of not less than 36 months immediately preceding the time of the making of the application, the parents of the child to whom the declaration under section 53(1) relates, have failed in their duty towards the child to such extent that the safety or welfare of the child is likely to be prejudicially affected,
(b) there is no reasonable prospect that the parents will be able to care for the child in a manner that will not prejudicially affect his or her safety or welfare,
(c) the failure constitutes an abandonment on the part of the parents of all parental rights, whether under the Constitution or otherwise, with respect to the child,
(d) by reason of the failure, the State, as guardian of the common good, should supply the place of the parents,
(e) the child—
(i) at the time of the making of the application, is in the custody of and has a home with the applicants, and
(ii) for a continuous period of not less than 18 months immediately preceding that time, has been in the custody of and has had a home with the applicants,
and
(f) that the adoption of the child by the applicants is a proportionate means by which to supply the place of the parents.]
F59[(3) In considering an application for an order under subsection (2), the High Court shall—
(a) have regard to the following:
(i) the rights, whether under the Constitution or otherwise, of the persons concerned (including the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child);
(ii) any other matter which the High Court considers relevant to the application,
and
(b) in so far as is practicable, in a case where the child concerned is capable of forming his or her own views, give due weight to the views of that child, having regard to the age and maturity of the child,
and, in the resolution of any such application, the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.]
(4) The High Court, of its own motion or on application to it in that behalf, may make orders—
(a) adding other persons as parties to proceedings under this section, and
(b) for the payment—
(i) of any costs, in relation to the proceedings, that are incurred by the person and are not paid by another party, if legal aid for the proceedings under any scheme operated by or on behalf of the State for the provision of legal aid has been refused, or
(ii) by the person of any costs in relation to the proceedings that are incurred by any other party.
(5) The F55[Child and Family Agency] shall be joined as a party to proceedings under subsection (1)(b).
(6) Proceedings under this section shall be heard in private.
(7) A request to the F55[Child and Family Agency] under subsection (1)—
(a) may be given by handing it, or by sending it by prepaid post, to an employee of the F55[Child and Family Agency] at its premises, and
(b) for the purposes of subsection (1)(b), is given to the F55[Child and Family Agency] on the day on which it is handed or posted to it.
Annotations
Amendments:
F55
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F56
Inserted (1.02.2018) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 24(1)(a), S.I. No. 443 of 2017, art. 3(2), subject to transitional provision in subs. (2). The effect of this insertion is that there are two paras. (a) in subs. (1).
F57
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 24(1)(b), S.I. No. 443 of 2017, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).
F58
Inserted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 24(1)(c), S.I. No. 443 of 2017, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).
F59
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 24(1)(d), S.I. No. 443 of 2017, subject to transitional provision in subs. (2).
Modifications (not altering text):
C8
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
Evidence to High Court.
55.— (1) Subject to this section, the High Court shall not make an order under section 54 (2) without having heard—
(a) the parents concerned (or either of them), and
(b) any other persons who, in the opinion of the High Court, ought to be heard by it.
(2) Where the parents concerned (or either of them), having been requested to give evidence to the High Court at the hearing of an application for an order under section 54(2), fail or fails, or refuse or refuses, to do so, the High Court may make the order if it thinks fit, notwithstanding the absence of the evidence of the parents (or either of them).
(3) Where the parents concerned (or either of them) fail or fails, or refuse or refuses, to respond to a request under subsection (2), the failure or refusal may be taken by the High Court, for the purposes of subsection (2), to be a failure or refusal by the parents (or either of them) to give evidence to the High Court at the hearing concerned.
(4) The High Court may make an order under section 54(2) if it thinks fit, notwithstanding the absence of the evidence of the parents of the child concerned (or either of them) if—
(a) the High Court is satisfied that—
(i) the identity of the parents concerned (or either of them) is not known both to the persons applying for an order under section 54 (2) and to the Authority, and
(ii) all appropriate measures have been taken to ascertain that identity, or
(b) the High Court is satisfied that—
(i) the whereabouts of the parents concerned (or either of them)—
(I) at the time of the making of the application for the order, and
(II) during the 12 months immediately preceding that time,
are not known to the parties making the application and are not known to the Authority, and
(ii) all appropriate measures have been taken to ascertain those whereabouts.
(5) If the High Court is satisfied that the parents concerned (or either of them) are incapable by reason of mental infirmity of giving reliable evidence to the High Court on the hearing of an application under paragraph (a) or (b) of section 54(1), the High Court may—
(a) dispense with the evidence of the parents (or either of them), and
(b) make the order under section 54(2) notwithstanding the absence of that evidence.
Court costs.
56.— (1) The F60[Child and Family Agency] shall pay to the parents of the child concerned, in respect of any costs—
(a) that are incurred by them in relation to an application under section 54(1) or F61[an appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, as the case may be,] against the making of, or the refusal to make, an order under section 54(2),
(b) that are not paid by another party to the proceedings, and
(c) in relation to which, legal aid under any scheme for the provision of legal aid operated by or on behalf of the State has been refused,
either, as may be specified by the Court—
(i) the whole or a part so specified of those costs, as taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court, or
(ii) such amount as, in the opinion of the F60[Child and Family Agency] and those parents, would be equal to the amount, as may be specified, of those costs or of a part so specified of them, if they were taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court.
(2) Where—
(a) any costs of another party to the proceedings in relation to the application under section 54(1) or the appeal are ordered by F61[the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court] to be paid by the parents of the child concerned, and
(b) legal aid in respect of those costs under any scheme for the provision of legal aid operated by or on behalf of the State has been refused,
the F60[Child and Family Agency] shall pay to that other party, in respect of those costs either, as may be specified by the High Court or the Supreme Court—
(i) the whole or a part so specified of those costs, as taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court, or
(ii) such amount as, in the opinion of the F60[Child and Family Agency] and that other party, would be equal to the amount, as may be so specified, of those costs or of a part so specified of them, if they were taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court.
(3) Where, on an application under section 54 (1) (b)—
(a) the High Court makes an order under section 54 (2) and either—
F61[(i) an appeal against the order—
(I) is not brought or the order is confirmed on appeal by Court of Appeal, and
(II) is not, brought (whether under Article 34.5.4° or on appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal) or the order is confirmed on appeal by the Supreme Court, or
(ii) the High Court refuses to make an order under section 54(2) but, following an appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, the order is made, and]
(b) legal aid for the persons bringing the application under any scheme operated by or on behalf of the State for the provision of legal aid has been refused,
the F60[Child and Family Agency] shall pay to the persons bringing the application, for any costs incurred by them in relation to—
(i) the application, or
(ii) the application and the appeal,
that are not paid by another party to the proceedings either, F61[as may be specified by the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court]—
(I) the whole or a part so specified of those costs, as taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court, or
(II) such amount as, in the opinion of the F60[Child and Family Agency] and those persons, would be equal to the amount, as may be specified, of those costs or of a part so specified of them if they were taxed by a Taxing Master of the High Court.
Annotations
Amendments:
F60
Substituted (1.01.2014) by Child and Family Agency Act 2013 (40/2013), s. 97 and sch. 2, part 21, S.I. No. 502 of 2013.
F61
Substituted (28.10.2014) by Court of Appeal Act 2014 (18/2014), s. 74(3) and sch. 2 item 8, S.I. No. 479 of 2014, in effect as per reg. 2(f).
Chapter 3
Directions of High Court in Relation to Register of Intercountry Adoptions
Directions of High Court in relation to entries in register of intercountry adoptions.
92.— (1) If, on application to the High Court in that behalf by a person who may make an application to the Authority under section 90(3), the High Court is satisfied that an entry with respect to an adoption in the register of intercountry adoptions should be made, cancelled or corrected, the High Court may by order, as appropriate—
(a) direct the Authority to procure the making of a specified entry in the register of intercountry adoptions,
(b) subject to subsection (2), direct the Authority to procure the cancellation of the entry concerned in the register of intercountry adoptions, or
(c) direct the Authority to make a specified correction in the register of intercountry adoptions.
(2) Unless satisfied that it would be in the best interests of the adopted person to do so, the High Court shall not give a direction under subsection (1) (b) based solely on the fact that, under the law of the state in which an adoption was effected, the adoption has been set aside, revoked, terminated, annulled or otherwise rendered void.
(3) Where the High Court gives a direction under subsection (1) (b), it may make orders in respect of the adopted person that appear to the High Court—
(a) to be necessary in the circumstances, and
(b) to be in the best interests of the person,
including orders relating to the guardianship, custody, maintenance and citizenship of the person.
(4) An order under subsection (3), notwithstanding anything in any other Act, applies and shall be carried out to the extent necessary to give effect to the order.
(5) If the High Court—
(a) refuses to give a direction under subsection (1)(a), or
(b) gives a direction under subsection (1)(b),
the intercountry adoption effected outside the State shall not be recognised under this Act.
(6) The High Court—
(a) may direct that notice of an application under subsection (1) shall be given by the person making the application to such other persons (including the Attorney General and the Authority) as the High Court may determine, and
(b) of its own motion or on application to it by the person concerned or a party to the application proceedings, may add any person as a party to the proceedings.
(7) The Attorney General—
(a) of his or her own motion, or
(b) if so requested by the High Court,
may make submissions to the High Court in relation to the application, without being added as party to the application proceedings.
(8) If the High Court so determines, proceedings under this section shall be heard in private.
Annotations
Modifications (not altering text):
C9
Application of section restricted (31.03.2005) by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 40, S.I. 544 of 2004; as amended (1.08.2008) by Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 (14/2008), s. 31, S.I. No. 274 of 2008; and as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 5, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note: Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, s. 40(2) (which lists “relevant enactments”) was repealed (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013, s. 2(2), S.I. No. 334 of 2014. However, section included in definition of “relevant enactment” for purposes of the in camera rule by Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 (31/2004), s. 39, as amended (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 4, S.I. No. 5 of 2014. Note also that subs. (8) previously inserted (11.01.2014) by Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 (32/2013), s. 11, S.I. No. 5 of 2014, now substituted, provided that an application for approval under this section shall be heard in private.
Proceedings heard otherwise than in public.
40.— …
(2) […]
(3) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit—
(a) the preparation by a barrister at law or a solicitor or a person falling within any other class of persons specified in regulations made by the Minister and publication of a report of proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates, or
(b) the publication of the decision of the court in such proceedings, in accordance with rules of court, provided that the report or decision does not contain any information which would enable the parties to the proceedings or any child to which the proceedings relate to be identified and, accordingly, unless in the special circumstances of the matter the court, for reasons which shall be specified in the direction, otherwise directs, a person referred to in paragraph (a) may, for the purposes of preparing [such a report—
(i) attend the proceedings, and
(ii) have access to any relevant documents,
subject to any directions the court may give in that behalf.]
[(3A) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit bona fide representatives of the Press from attending proceedings to which the relevant enactment relates.
(b) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), where, in proceedings under a relevant enactment, a court is satisfied that it is necessary to do so—
(i) in order to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate,
(ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or
(iii) as it is otherwise necessary in the interests of justice,
the court may, on its own motion, or on application to it by a party to the proceedings or by a person on behalf of a child to whom the proceedings relate, by order—
(I) exclude, or otherwise restrict the attendance of, bona fide representatives of the Press from the court during the hearing or particular parts of it, or
(II) prohibit or restrict the publication or broadcasting of any evidence given or referred to during the proceedings or any part of such evidence,
and any such order may, with regard to any restriction, contain such conditions as the court considers appropriate.
(c) In determining whether or not to make an order under paragraph (b), a court shall have regard to the desirability of promoting public confidence in the administration of justice and to any other matter that appears to it to be relevant and shall, in particular, have regard to the following:
(i) the best interests of a child to whom the proceedings relate;
(ii) the views, if any, of—
(I) a party to the proceedings, and
(II) a child to whom the proceedings relate who is, in the opinion of the court, capable of forming his or her own views;
(iii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is sensitive personal information;
(iv) the extent to which the attendance of bona fide representatives of the Press might inhibit or cause undue distress to a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate by reason of the emotional condition or any medical condition, physical impairment or intellectual disability of the party or the child concerned;
(v) the need to protect a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate against coercion, intimidation or harassment;
(vi) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence might be prejudicial to a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings;
(vii) whether information given or likely to be given in evidence is commercially sensitive information; and
(viii) whether information of the type referred to in subparagraphs (iii), (vi) and (vii) when taken together with other information would, if published or broadcast, be likely to lead members of the public to identify a party to the proceedings or a child to whom the proceedings relate.
(d) In considering the views of a child referred to in clause (II) of paragraph (c)(ii), a court shall take account of the age and level of maturity of the child concerned.
(e) Where evidence in proceedings to which a relevant enactment relates concerns a matter referred to in subparagraph (vi) of paragraph (c), an application under paragraph (b) may be made by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(f) In this subsection—
“commercially sensitive information” means—
(i) financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain to the person to whom it relates, or could prejudice the competitive position of that person in the conduct of his or her business or otherwise in his or her occupation, or
(ii) information the disclosure of which could prejudice the conduct or outcome of contractual or other negotiations of the person to whom it relates;
“party to the proceedings” includes a witness in the proceedings;
“sensitive personal information” means information about a person that would, in the ordinary course of events, be known only to the person or members of the family, or friends, of the person, and includes but is not limited to—
(i) information relating to the medical, psychiatric or psychological history of the person,
(ii) information relating to the tax affairs of the person,
(iii) information relating to the sexual conduct or sexual orientation of the person.]
(4) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from supplying copies of, or extracts from, orders made in the proceedings to such persons and in accordance with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed by order of the Minister.
(5) Nothing contained in a relevant enactment shall operate to prohibit a party to proceedings to which the enactment relates from being accompanied, in such proceedings, in court by another person subject to the approval of the court and any directions it may give in that behalf.
(6) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the production of a document prepared for the purposes or in contemplation of such proceedings or given in evidence in such proceedings, to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(7) Nothing contained in an enactment that prohibits proceedings to which the enactment relates from being heard in public shall operate to prohibit the giving of information or evidence given in such proceedings to—
(a) a body or other person when it, or he or she, is performing functions under any enactment consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter, or
(b) such body or other person as may be prescribed by order made by the Minister, when the body or person concerned is performing functions consisting of the conducting of a hearing, inquiry or investigation in relation to, or adjudicating on, any matter as may be so prescribed.
(8) A court hearing proceedings under a relevant enactment shall, on its own motion or on the application of one of the parties to the proceedings, have discretion to order disclosure of documents, information or evidence connected with or arising in the course of the proceedings to third parties if such disclosure is required to protect the legitimate interests of a party or other person affected by the proceedings.
(9) A hearing, inquiry or investigation referred to in subsection (6) or (7) shall, in so far as it relates to a document referred to in subsection (6) or information or evidence referred to in subsection (7), be conducted otherwise than in public and no such document, information or evidence shall be published.
(10) This section shall apply to proceedings brought, and decisions of a court made, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
[(11) In subsection (3), “relevant documents”, in relation to any proceedings referred to in that subsection—
(a) subject to paragraph (b), means—
(i) the petition, summons or other originating document in the proceedings,
(ii) pleadings and other documents (including the terms of settlement, if any) produced to or lodged with the court, or included in the book of pleadings, in the course of the proceedings, and
(iii) any order made by the court in the proceedings,
(b) does not include any document the contents of which are expressed to be without prejudice or in terms having a like effect.]
PART 11
Proof and Registration of Intercountry Adoptions effected outside the State
Proof of intercountry adoptions effected outside State.
93.— (1) Documents, duly authenticated, that purport to be copies of the documents by which an intercountry adoption effected outside the State was made—
(a) are deemed without further proof to be true copies of the documents unless the contrary is shown, and
(b) are admissible as evidence of the adoption.
(2) A document purporting to be a copy of a document or of one of the documents by which an intercountry adoption effected outside the State is made shall be regarded, for the purposes of this section, as being duly authenticated if the document purports—
(a) to bear the seal of the court or other authority or the person or persons by which or by whom it was issued or executed, or
(b) to be certified—
(i) by a person in his or her capacity as a judge or officer of that court or in his or her capacity as that authority or as a member or officer of that authority, or
(ii) by the person or persons by whom it was issued or executed.
(3) The Minister, by regulations, may make provision in relation to the proof of intercountry adoptions effected outside the State and the regulations may make different provision for different states and different classes of adoptions.
(4) Where an intercountry adoption effected outside the State is made in another state, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is shown, that it was effected under and in accordance with the law of that state.
PART 12
Adoption Authority
Chapter 1
Authority Established
Establishment of Adoption Authority.
94.— (1) On the establishment day, a body to be known as Údarás Uchtála na hÉireann or, in the English language, the Adoption Authority of Ireland is established to perform the functions assigned to it by this Act.
(2) The Authority is a body corporate with perpetual succession and may—
(a) sue and be sued in the Authority’s own name,
(b) with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance, acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land, and
(c) acquire, hold and dispose of any other property.
Annotations:
Editorial Notes:
E52
Authority designated for purposes of Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (13/2020), ss. 29, 31 (remote meetings and hearings) (4.09.2020) by Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (Remote Meetings and Remote Hearings of State Body – Adoption Authority of Ireland) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 335 of 2020).
Seal of Authority.
95.— (1) The Authority shall provide itself with a seal as soon as may be after the establishment day.
(2) The seal of the Authority shall be authenticated by—
(a) the signatures of 2 members of the Authority, or
(b) the signatures of both—
(i) a member of the Authority, and
(ii) an employee of the Authority authorised by the Authority to authenticate the seal.
(3) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Authority and every document purporting to be an instrument made by the Authority and to be sealed with the seal of the Authority authenticated in accordance with this section, shall, unless the contrary is shown, be received in evidence and be deemed to be that instrument without further proof.
Functions of Authority.
96.— (1) Without prejudice to the functions assigned to the Authority under this Act or any other enactment, the functions of the Authority include the following:
(a) on and after the establishment day, performing the functions in relation to adoptions that before that day were performed by An Bord Uchtála;
(b) as specified in section 66, performing in the State the role of a Central Authority under the Hague Convention;
(c) at the request of the Minister, providing general advice to him or her about adoption matters;
(d) undertaking or assisting in research projects and activities relating to adoption services;
(e) compiling statistical information and other records as to the proper planning, development and provision of those adoption services;
(f) maintaining the register of accredited bodies; F92[…]
(g) maintaining the register of intercountry F93[adoptions;]
F94[(h) maintaining the register of gender recognition of intercountry adoptions and the index referred to in section 91A(3).]
(2) The Authority has all the powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance by it of its functions.
(3) The Authority may make such enquiries as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions.
(4) The Authority shall endeavour to ensure that its adoption enquiries under this Act and adoption hearings before the Authority are conducted in a non-adversarial manner.
Annotations
Amendments:
F92
Deleted (4.09.2015) by Gender Recognition Act 2015 (25/2015), s. 35(a), S.I. 369 of 2015.
F93
Substituted (4.09.2015) by Gender Recognition Act 2015 (25/2015), s. 35(b), S.I. No. 369 of 2015.
F94
Inserted (4.09.2015) by Gender Recognition Act 2015 (25/2015), s. 35(c), S.I. No. 369 of 2015.
Rules.
97.— (1) The Authority, with the consent of the Minister, may make rules—
(a) respecting its procedure, and
F95[(b) governing the consultation that is required by this Act to be carried out with a relevant non-guardian (which shall include a person who believes himself to be the father) of a child before the child is placed for adoption or before an adoption order is made in respect of that child.]
(2) The Minister shall ensure that every rule made by the Authority under subsection (1) is laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the rule is passed by either House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the rule is laid before it, the rule shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Annotations
Amendments:
F95
Substituted (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 37, S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Editorial Notes:
E53
Previous affecting provision: section amended by Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (9/2015), s. 130, not commenced; repealed (19.10.2017) by Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (19/2017), s. 2(2), S.I. No. 443 of 2017.
Membership of Authority.
98.— (1) The Authority shall consist of 7 members, being the chairperson, the deputy chairperson and 5 ordinary members, appointed by the Minister in accordance with this section.
(2) A person is not eligible for appointment as chairperson or deputy chairperson unless the person—
(a) is or was, at any time during the 2 years immediately before the appointment, a Judge of the Supreme Court, F96[the Court of Appeal,] the High Court, the Circuit Court or the District Court, or
(b) is of not less than 10 years standing as a barrister or solicitor.
(3) Of the 5 ordinary members to be appointed by the Minister—
(a) one shall be a social worker with experience in adoption practice,
(b) one shall be a social worker with research expertise in child welfare, child protection or both,
(c) one shall be a barrister or solicitor with experience in the practice of law in relation to families and children,
(d) one shall be a medical practitioner whose name is for the time being included in a division of the register of medical practitioners referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) of section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (as amended by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007, No. 42 of 2007), and
(e) one shall be a person with appropriate training in psychology.
(4) The Minister, to the extent practicable, shall endeavour to ensure that there is an equitable balance between men and women in the membership of the Authority.
(5) Each member of the Authority shall hold office for a period which the Minister shall determine, not exceeding 5 years from the date of appointment to the office.
(6) An appointed member who completes a term of office is eligible for reappointment to the Authority, but may not serve as a member for more than 2 consecutive terms.
(7) An appointed member may resign office by letter addressed to the Minister and the resignation takes effect on the later of—
(a) the date specified in the letter, or
(b) the receipt of the letter by the Minister.
(8) If an appointed member resigns, dies, ceases to hold office (other than on completing a term of office), ceases to be qualified for office or is removed from office, the Minister as soon as practicable shall appoint a person to fill the casual vacancy so occasioned.
(9) A person appointed under subsection (8) holds office for the unexpired portion of his or her predecessor’s term of office.
(10) An appointed member, with the consent of the Authority, may vacate his or her office for a specified period of time if, in that member’s opinion, he or she has a conflict of interest in relation to a matter being considered by the Authority.
(11) The Minister may at any time remove an appointed member of the Authority from office if—
(a) in the Minister’s opinion—
(i) the member has become incapable through ill-health of performing the functions of the office,
(ii) the member has committed stated misbehaviour, or
(iii) the member’s removal from office is necessary for the Authority to perform its functions in an effective manner,
(b) the member has contravened, or failed to discharge a duty imposed by, a provision of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 that by a regulation made under section 3 of that Act applies to that member, or
(c) in performing functions under this Act, the member has not complied with a code of conduct under section 10(3) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001.
(12) A person immediately ceases to be a member of the Authority if the person—
(a) is adjudicated bankrupt,
(b) makes a composition or arrangement with creditors,
(c) is convicted of an indictable offence,
(d) is convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty,
(e) has a declaration under section 150 of the Companies Act 1990 made against him or her or is subject or is deemed to be subject to a disqualification order by virtue of Part VII of that Act,
(f) is sentenced to a term of imprisonment by a court of competent jurisdiction, or
(g) is removed by a competent authority for any reason (other than failure to pay a fee) from any register established for the purpose of registering members of a profession.
Annotations
Amendments:
F96
Inserted (28.10.2014) by Court of Appeal Act 2014 (18/2014), s. 70, S.I. No. 479 of 2014, in effect as per art. 2(c).
Membership of either House of Oireachtas, European Parliament or local authority.
99.— (1) A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Authority or of a committee of the Authority, if the person is—
(a) a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(b) regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(c) a member of a local authority.
(2) An appointed member of the Authority or a member of a committee of the Authority immediately ceases to hold office on—
(a) being nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann,
(b) being elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(c) being regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(d) becoming a member of a local authority.
Meetings of Authority.
100.— (1) The Minister, in consultation with the Authority, shall fix the date, time and place of the first meeting of the Authority.
(2) The Authority shall hold as many meetings as are necessary for performing its functions but shall hold at least 12 meetings a year.
(3) The chairperson at any reasonable time may call a meeting of the Authority.
(4) Any 4 members of the Authority may call a meeting of the Authority if the chairperson—
(a) refuses to call a meeting after being presented with a requisition for that purpose signed by not fewer than 4 members, or
(b) without refusing to call a meeting, does not call one within 7 days after being presented with the requisition.
F97[(5) Subject to subsection (7), the members present at a meeting called under subsection (4) shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting.]
F97[(6) The quorum for a meeting of the Authority is—
(a) the chairperson or deputy chairperson, or
(b) in the case of a meeting called under subsection (4), and where applicable, the member chosen under subsection (5) to chair the meeting who, for that meeting, shall be regarded as the chairperson for the purposes of subsections (9) and (10),
and 2 other members, one of whom may be the deputy chairperson where the chairperson or another member chosen under subsection (5) is presiding.]
(7) The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Authority at which he or she is present.
(8) Each question at a meeting shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting on the question.
(9) In the case of an equal division of votes, the chairperson, or in the absence of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson has a second or casting vote.
(10) Each decision of the Authority shall be announced by the chairperson, the deputy chairperson or the other member authorised by the chairperson and neither the existence of nor the content of any opinion of any other member, whether assenting or dissenting, shall be disclosed.
(11) Subject to this Act, the Authority may regulate, by standing orders or otherwise, the procedures and business of the Authority.
Annotations:
Amendments:
F97
Substituted (3.07.2023) by Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (8/2023), s. 38(a), (b), S.I. No. 341 of 2023.
Committees of Authority.
101.— (1) The Authority may—
(a) establish one or more committees to provide assistance and advice to the Authority in relation to the performance of the Authority’s functions, and
(b) determine the membership and terms of reference of each committee.
(2) Each committee—
(a) shall be chaired by a member of the Authority,
(b) may include as members persons who are not members or employees of the Authority, and
(c) consists of the chairperson of the committee and the other persons, whether members of the Authority or not, who the Authority may appoint.
(3) The Authority may regulate the procedure of each committee but, subject to any such regulation, a committee may regulate its own procedure.
(4) At any time, the Authority may—
(a) dissolve any of the committees, or
(b) remove a member of any of the committees from his or her membership.
Remuneration and expenses of members of Authority and committees.
102.— (1) A person—
(a) appointed as chairperson of the Authority, or
(b) who is the deputy chairperson of the Authority, in respect of any period during which he or she acts as chairperson of the Authority,
shall be paid by the Authority, out of moneys at its disposal, such remuneration and allowances for expenses as the Minister may from time to time determine with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
(2) A member of the Authority and a member of a committee of the Authority shall be paid by the Authority, out of moneys at its disposal, such remuneration and allowances for expenses as the Minister may determine with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
Chapter 2
Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officer.
103.— (1) The Authority shall appoint a person recruited in accordance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 to be the chief executive officer of the Authority.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Minister may appoint the first chief executive officer for a term to be determined by the Minister.
(3) A person is not eligible for appointment as the chief executive officer if the person is—
(a) a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(b) regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(c) a member of a local authority.
(4) The chief executive officer holds office, subject to subsection (3), on the terms and conditions (including those relating to remuneration, allowances and superannuation) to be determined by the Authority with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
(5) The chief executive officer, with the approval of the Minister, may be removed from office by the Authority for stated reasons.
(6) The chief executive officer may attend any meeting of the Authority or of a committee of the Authority.
Functions of chief executive officer.
104.— (1) The chief executive officer shall—
(a) carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Authority,
(b) perform such other functions as may be assigned to him or her by or under this Act or any other enactment or as may be determined by the Authority, and
(c) provide the Authority with information (including financial information) relating to the performance of his or her functions as the Authority may require.
(2) The chief executive officer is responsible to the Authority for—
(a) the performance of the chief executive officer’s functions and the implementation of the Authority’s policies,
(b) supporting the Authority in all functions of a judicial nature conferred on the Authority by this Act,
(c) maintaining on behalf of the Authority—
(i) the register of accredited bodies, and
(ii) the register of intercountry adoptions.
(3) Such of the functions of the chief executive officer as he or she may specify from time to time may be performed, with the consent of the Authority, by such employee of the Authority as may be authorised by the chief executive officer.
(4) If the chief executive officer is absent or the position of chief executive officer is vacant, the functions of the chief executive officer under this section may be performed by an employee of the Authority designated by the Authority.
Accountability of chief executive officer to Public Accounts Committee.
105.— (1) The chief executive officer, whenever required in writing to do so by the Committee of Dáil Éireann established under the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann to examine and report to Dáil Éireann on the appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, shall give evidence to that Committee on—
(a) the regularity and propriety of the transactions recorded or required to be recorded in any book or other record of account subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General that the Authority is required by this Act to prepare,
(b) the economy and efficiency of the Authority in the use of its resources,
(c) the systems, procedures and practices employed by the Authority for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of its operations, and
(d) any matter affecting the Authority referred to in any—
(i) special report of the Comptroller and Auditor General under section 11(2) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993, or
(ii) other report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (insofar as it relates to a matter specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (c)) that is laid before Dáil Éireann.
(2) In the performance of the duties of the chief executive officer under this section, the chief executive officer shall not question or express an opinion on—
(a) the merits of any policy of the Government or of a Minister of the Government, or
(b) the objectives of such a policy.
Accountability of chief executive officer to other Oireachtas Committees.
106.— (1) In this section, “committee” means a committee appointed by either House of the Oireachtas or jointly by both Houses of the Oireachtas, other than—
(a) the Committee on Members’ Interests of Dáil Éireann,
(b) the Committee on Members’ Interests of Seanad Éireann, and
(c) the Committee referred to in section 105(1),
or a sub-committee of such a committee.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the chief executive officer, at the request in writing of a committee, shall attend before it to give account for the general administration of the Authority.
(3) The chief executive officer is not required to give account before a committee for any matter which is or has been or may at a future time be the subject of proceedings before a court or tribunal in the State.
(4) Where the chief executive officer is of opinion that a matter in respect of which he or she is requested to give an account before a committee is a matter to which subsection (3) applies—
(a) he or she shall inform the committee of the opinion and the reasons for it, and
(b) unless the information is conveyed to the committee at a time when the chief executive officer is before it, the information shall be so conveyed in writing.
(5) Where the chief executive officer has informed a committee of his or her opinion in accordance with subsection (4) and the committee does not withdraw the request referred to in subsection (2) insofar as it relates to a matter the subject of that opinion—
(a) the chief executive officer, not later than 21 days after being informed by the committee of its decision not to withdraw the request, may apply to the High Court in a summary manner for determination of the question whether the matter is one to which subsection (3) applies, or
(b) the chairperson of the committee, on behalf of the committee, may make such an application,
and the High Court shall determine the matter.
(6) Pending determination of an application under subsection (5), the chief executive officer shall not attend before the committee to give account for the matter that is the subject of the application.
(7) If the High Court determines that the matter concerned is one to which subsection (3) applies, the committee shall withdraw the request referred to in subsection (2), but if the High Court determines that subsection (3) does not apply, the chief executive officer shall attend before the committee to give account for the matter.
(8) In the performance of his or her duties under this section, the chief executive officer shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such a policy.
Chapter 3
Accountability, Plans, Reports and Funding
Directions to Authority.
107.— (1) The Minister may give general directions in writing to the Authority for any purpose in relation to the provisions of this Act, or any other enactment, and for any matter or thing referred to in this Act—
(a) as specified or to be specified, or
(b) as determined or to be determined.
(2) The Minister may direct the Authority to supply the Minister with information, reports or statistics, in the manner and within the period, both as the Minister may determine, in relation to the performance of the functions assigned by or under this Act to the Authority.
(3) The Authority shall comply with a direction under subsection (1) or (2) given by the Minister.
Corporate plan of Authority.
108.— (1) The Authority shall prepare, adopt and at the times specified in subsection (2), submit to the Minister for approval a corporate plan for the 3 years immediately following the date of its submission.
(2) A corporate plan shall be submitted at the following times:
(a) within 6 months of the establishment day;
(b) within 6 months of the appointment of a new Minister for Health and Children if he or she requests that a new corporate plan be submitted;
(c) at the end of the 3 year period since the last corporate plan was submitted.
(3) The corporate plan shall be prepared in a form and manner in accordance with any direction given by the Minister and shall specify—
(a) the key objectives of the Authority for the 3 year period concerned and the strategies for achieving those objectives, and
(b) the uses to which the Authority proposes to apply its resources.
(4) In preparing the corporate plan, the Authority shall have regard to the policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government to the extent that those policies may affect or relate to the functions of the Authority.
(5) Within 3 months of receiving a corporate plan, the Minister shall—
(a) approve the plan, or
(b) refuse to approve the plan if the plan is not amended in accordance with any directions that may be given by the Minister to the Authority.
(6) An approved corporate plan may be amended by the Minister at any time or may be amended by the Authority, but in the latter case only after—
(a) the Authority submits the proposed amendment to the Minister for approval, and
(b) the amendment is approved by the Minister.
(7) Subsections (3) to (6) apply with the necessary modifications in respect of an amendment by the Authority to an approved corporate plan.
(8) Nothing in a corporate plan is to be taken to prevent the Authority from, or to limit the Authority in, performing its functions.
(9) The Minister shall ensure that a copy of an approved corporate plan is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas—
(a) within 21 days of the plan being approved by the Minister, and
(b) if the plan is amended under subsection (6) after being approved by the Minister, within 21 days of—
(i) in the case of an amendment made by the Minister, the making of the amendment, or
(ii) in the case of an amendment made by the Authority, the approval of the amendment by the Minister.
(10) The Authority shall ensure that, as soon as practicable after copies of an approved plan are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, the plan is published—
(a) on the Internet, and
(b) in accordance with such other arrangements as the Minister may specify.
(11) The Authority shall provide the Minister with a progress report on the implementation of an approved corporate plan for the Authority in the Authority’s annual report and, at the request of the Minister, at other times that the Minister may specify.
Grants to Authority.
109.— The Minister shall advance to the Authority out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas such sum as the Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, determine for the purposes of expenditure by the Authority in the performance of its functions.
Submission of business plan.
110.— (1) The Minister may, at any time before the beginning of a financial year, request the Authority to submit to the Minister a business plan for that financial year, and the Authority shall comply with such a request.
(2) A business plan shall—
(a) be prepared in the form and manner and in accordance with any directions given by the Minister,
(b) indicate the Authority’s activities for the period to which the business plan relates,
(c) contain estimates of the number of employees of the Authority for the period to which the plan relates,
(d) contain any other information specified by the Minister, and
(e) accord with policies and objectives of the Minister and the Government.
(3) In preparing the business plan, the Authority shall have regard to the corporate plan in operation at that time approved under section 108 and any direction given by the Minister under section 107.
(4) The Authority shall give effect to the business plan unless the Minister, within 30 days of the submission of the plan, directs the Authority in writing to either amend the plan or not to give effect to it.
(5) At the same time as giving a direction to the Authority under subsection (4), the Minister shall give his or her reasons in writing for the direction to the Authority.
(6) The Authority shall comply with a direction under subsection (4).
Code of governance.
111.— (1) As soon as practicable after the Authority is established, it shall submit to the Minister for approval a code of governance that includes an outline of—
(a) the guiding principles applicable to the Authority as a public body having the functions described in section 96,
(b) the structure of the Authority, including the role and responsibilities of the Authority and the chief executive officer,
(c) the processes and guidelines to be followed to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements imposed on the Authority by or under this Act, and
(d) the Authority’s internal controls, including its procedures relating to internal audit, risk management, public procurement and financial reporting.
(2) The Authority shall review the code of governance periodically at the times that may be specified by the Minister and shall revise the code as the Authority considers appropriate.
(3) In preparing or making revisions to the code of governance, the Authority shall have regard to any direction given by the Minister under section 107.
(4) Following the Minister’s approval of the code of governance or of any revisions to it, the Authority shall arrange for the publication of the code or the revised code.
(5) The Authority shall indicate in its annual report its arrangements for implementing and maintaining adherence to the code of governance.
Accounts of Authority.
112.— (1) The chief executive officer shall cause to be kept all proper and usual books or other records of account of—
(a) all income and expenditure of the Authority,
(b) the source of the income and the subject matter of the expenditure, and
(c) the property, assets and liabilities of the Authority.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the chief executive officer shall also keep such special accounts as the Minister may direct.
(3) The books, records and special accounts kept under this section shall be—
(a) kept in the form, and
(b) for the accounting periods,
that the Minister may specify, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
(4) The accounts of the Authority prepared by the chief executive officer and approved by the Board shall be submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit not later than 3 months after the end of the financial year to which the accounts relate.
(5) Within one month of the Comptroller and Auditor General issuing an audit certificate for the accounts of the Authority, a copy of—
(a) the accounts, and
(b) the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the accounts,
shall be presented to the Minister who, within 2 months after their receipt, shall cause copies thereof to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
(6) If required by the Minister, the Authority shall furnish to the Minister the information the Minister may require in respect of any balance sheet, account or report of the Authority.
(7) The Authority, the chief executive officer and other employees of the Authority—
(a) whenever so requested by the Minister, shall permit any person appointed by the Minister to examine the books or other records of account of the Authority in respect of any financial year or other period, and
(b) shall facilitate the examination,
and the Authority shall pay such fee as may be fixed by the Minister for the examination.
Chapter 4
Standards, Codes of Conduct, Disqualification, etc.
Standards of integrity.
113.— (1) In performing functions under this or any other enactment as—
(a) a member of the Authority or a committee of the Authority,
(b) the chief executive officer or an employee of the Authority,
(c) a person engaged under section 124 by the Authority as an adviser, or
(d) an employee of a person referred to in paragraph (c),
a person shall maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.
(2) Subsection (1) applies to an employee of a person referred to in subsection (1)(c) in respect only of duties of employment relating to the purposes for which the Authority has engaged that person.
Codes of conduct.
114.— (1) For the purposes of section 113 (1), the Authority shall issue codes of conduct for the guidance of persons who are—
(a) members of a committee of the Authority but are not members of the Authority,
(b) employees of the Authority other than employees to whom a code of conduct under section 10(3) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 applies,
(c) engaged under section 124 by the Authority as advisers, or
(d) employees of persons referred to in paragraph (c).
(2) A code of conduct issued under this section for the guidance of persons referred to in subsection (1) shall indicate the standards of integrity and conduct to be maintained by them in performing their functions under this or any other enactment.
(3) A person to whom the code of conduct relates is required to have regard to and be guided by the code in performing functions under this or any other enactment.
(4) The terms and conditions on which a person is employed by the Authority or by a person referred to in subsection (1) (c) or on which a person is engaged by the Authority as an adviser are deemed to include the requirements that apply to that person under subsection (3).
Availability of codes of conduct.
115.— (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Authority, as soon as practicable after issuing a code of conduct, shall make the code available to the persons for whose guidance it was issued.
(2) A code of conduct for the guidance of employees of a person engaged by the Authority as an adviser shall be issued by the Authority to the employer and shall be made available by the employer to those employees.
(3) In the absence of evidence to the contrary, a document purporting to be a code of conduct issued under this section—
(a) is that code of conduct, and
(b) is admissible in any proceedings before a court or other tribunal,
and any provision of the code of conduct that appears to the court or other tribunal to be relevant to a question in the proceedings may be taken into account by the court or tribunal in determining the question.
Gifts.
116.— (1) The Authority may accept gifts of money, land or other property upon such trusts or conditions (if any) as may be specified by the donor.
(2) The Authority shall not accept a gift if the trusts or conditions attaching to it would be inconsistent with the Authority’s—
(a) functions, or
(b) obligations,
under this Act or any other enactment.
Annual report.
117.— (1) Not later than 30 June in each year, the Authority shall prepare and adopt an annual report in relation to the performance of the Authority’s functions during the immediately preceding calendar year.
(2) An annual report shall include—
(a) a statement of the activities undertaken by the Authority,
(b) a report on the implementation of the Authority’s corporate plan approved under section 108,
(c) a report on the implementation of the Authority’s business plan submitted to the Minister under section 110,
(d) a report on the Authority’s arrangements for implementing and maintaining adherence to its code of governance,
(e) other particulars that the Authority considers appropriate or as the Minister may specify, including but not limited to financial statements,
(f) the number of applications for adoption and the decisions of the Authority thereon,
(g) the names of the accredited bodies concerned in the applications,
(h) the number of applications for registration of accredited bodies and the decisions of the Authority thereon, and
(i) the name and address—
(i) of each of the accredited bodies entered in the register of accredited bodies, and
(ii) of each of the accredited bodies whose name was removed from the register,
during the immediately preceding year.
(3) As soon as may be, but in any event not later than 21 days after adopting the annual report, the Authority shall submit a copy of the annual report to the Minister.
(4) The Minister shall ensure that copies of the annual report are laid before each House of the Oireachtas within 21 days of the Minister receiving the report.
(5) The Authority shall ensure that the annual report is published—
(a) on the Internet, and
(b) in accordance with any other arrangements that the Minister may specify,
as soon as practicable after copies of the report are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Information to be furnished to Minister and Authority’s discretion to publish other reports.
118.— (1) The Authority, whenever requested by the Minister, shall furnish to the Minister any information that the Minister may require relating to the policies and activities of the Authority.
(2) The Authority, as it considers relevant and appropriate, may publish reports in addition to the annual report on matters related to the Authority’s activities and functions.
Prohibition against unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.
119.— (1) In this section “confidential information” means—
(a) information that is expressed by the Authority to be confidential either as regards particular information or as regards information of a particular class or description, or
(b) proposals of a commercial nature or tenders submitted to the Authority by any person.
(2) Except in the circumstances specified in subsection (3), a person shall not disclose confidential information obtained while performing functions as—
(a) a member of the Authority or a committee of the Authority,
(b) the chief executive officer or any other employee of the Authority,
(c) a person engaged by the Authority as an adviser, or
(d) an employee of a person referred to in paragraph (c).
(3) A person does not contravene subsection (2) by disclosing confidential information if the disclosure—
(a) is made to or authorised by the Authority,
(b) is made to the Minister by or on behalf of the Authority or in compliance with this Act, or
(c) is required by law.
Disqualification resulting from membership of either House of the Oireachtas, European Parliament or local authority.
120.— The chief executive officer immediately ceases to hold office on—
(a) being nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann,
(b) being elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(c) being regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(d) becoming a member of a local authority.
Secondment of employees resulting from membership of either House of Oireachtas, European Parliament or local authority.
121.— (1) An employee of the Authority (other than the chief executive officer) is immediately seconded from employment with the Authority on—
(a) being nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann,
(b) being elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(c) being regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(d) becoming a member of a local authority.
(2) No remuneration or allowances are payable by the Authority in respect of the secondment period from employment under subsection (1) and that period is not to be counted as service with the Authority for the purposes of any superannuation benefit.
(3) In relation to a person seconded under subsection (1) from employment, the secondment period begins on the occurrence of the relevant event referred to in that subsection and ends when the person ceases to be a member of either House of the Oireachtas, a member of the European Parliament or a member of a local authority, as the case may be.
Chapter 5
Employees of Authority, etc.
Employees of Authority.
122.— (1) The Authority, subject to subsections (2) and (3), may appoint persons to be the Authority’s employees and may determine their duties.
(2) Employees appointed under this section shall be recruited in accordance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to employees appointed under this section during the 3 months beginning on the establishment day or during a shorter period that the Minister may specify.
(4) The Authority, with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance, shall determine—
(a) the terms and conditions of employment (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration and allowances) of employees appointed under this section, and
(b) the grades of the employees of the Authority and the numbers of employees in each grade.
(5) A person is not eligible for appointment as an employee of the Authority if the person is—
(a) a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament,
(b) regarded pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, or
(c) a member of a local authority.
(6) The remuneration and allowances of the Authority’s employees are payable by the Authority to the employees out of funds at the Authority’s disposal.
Superannuation.
123.— (1) In this section, “superannuation benefit” means a pension, gratuity or other allowance payable on resignation, retirement or death.
(2) The Authority shall prepare and submit to the Minister a scheme or schemes for the granting of superannuation benefits to or in respect of such employees of the Authority as it may think fit.
(3) Every such scheme shall fix the time and conditions of retirement for all persons to or in respect of whom superannuation benefits are payable under the scheme, and different terms may be fixed in respect of different classes of persons.
(4) Every such scheme may be amended or revoked by a subsequent scheme prepared, submitted and approved under this section.
(5) A scheme submitted by the Authority under this section, if approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, shall be carried out by the Authority in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
(6) No superannuation benefit shall be granted by the Authority, nor shall any other arrangements be entered into by the Authority for the provision of such a benefit, to or in respect of an employee, otherwise than—
(a) in accordance with a scheme under this section, or
(b) with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance.
(7) Each scheme made under this section shall make provision for appeals.
(8) The terms and conditions governing superannuation benefits granted under schemes made under this section to persons who transferred to the Authority under section 137 shall be no less favourable than those terms and conditions to which those persons were entitled immediately before their transfer.
(9) Where, in the period beginning on the establishment day and ending immediately before the commencement of a scheme under this section, a superannuation benefit falls due for payment to or in respect of a person who was transferred to the Authority under section 137—
(a) the benefit shall be calculated by the Authority in accordance with such scheme, or such enactments in relation to superannuation, as applied to the person immediately before the transfer, and
(b) the person’s pensionable service with the Authority shall be aggregated with the person’s previous pensionable service and the benefit, as so calculated, shall be paid by the Authority.
(10) A scheme under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the scheme is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to anything done previously.
Annotations
Editorial Notes:
E54
Power pursuant to section exercised (3.04.2017) by Adoption Authority of Ireland Superannuation Scheme 2017 (S.I. No. 157 of 2017), in effect as per art. 1(2).
Advisers.
124.— (1) The Authority, with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may engage such advisers as the Authority considers necessary for the performance of its functions.
(2) Any fees due to an adviser engaged under this section are payable by the Authority out of funds at the Authority’s disposal.
PART 13
PART 14
Dissolution of An Bord Uchtála
Dissolution of An Bord Uchtála.
136.— An Bord Uchtála is dissolved by this Act on the establishment day.
Transfer of persons to be employees of Authority.
137.— (1) In this section—
“recognised trade union or association of employees” means—
(a) a trade union, or
(b) an association of employees,
recognised by the Authority for the purposes of negotiations that are concerned with the terms and conditions of employment;
“terms and conditions of service” includes terms and conditions in respect of tenure of office, remuneration and related matters.
(2) The Minister, in relation to civil servants serving in the Department of Health and Children and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, in relation to civil servants serving in the Department of Justice and Law Reform, shall designate civil servants immediately before the establishment day to be transferred to the Authority on the establishment day.
(3) Staff transferred in accordance with subsection (2) are deemed to be public servants in the employment of the Authority.
(4) Save in accordance with a collective agreement negotiated with any recognised trade unions and staff associations concerned, a person who is transferred to the Authority under subsection (2) shall not, at the time of the transfer, receive pay at a lesser scale of pay or be made subject to less beneficial terms and conditions of service (including those relating to tenure of office) than the scale of pay to which the person was entitled or the terms and conditions of service (including those relating to tenure of office) to which he or she was subject immediately before the transfer.
(5) The previous service in the civil service of a person transferred under this section is to be counted as service for the purposes of, but subject to any exceptions or exclusions in, the following Acts:
(a) the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2007;
(b) the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001;
(c) the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003;
(d) the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997;
(e) the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005;
(f) the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007;
(g) the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004;
(h) the Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2006;
(i) the Adoptive Leave Acts 1995 and 2005;
(j) the Carer’s Leave Act 2001;
(k) the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001.
Transfer of property and liabilities to Authority.
138.— (1) On the establishment day all property that, immediately before that day, was the property of An Bord Uchtála is transferred to and vested in the Authority without any conveyance or assignment.
(2) All rights and liabilities of An Bord Uchtála arising by virtue of any contract, agreement or arrangement—
(a) entered into by or on behalf of An Bord Uchtála before the establishment day, and
(b) in effect immediately before that day,
are on the establishment day transferred to the Authority.
(3) Each right and liability transferred under this section, on or after its transfer, may be sued on, recovered or enforced by or against the Authority in the Authority’s own name.
(4) The Authority need not give notice of the transfer to the person whose right or liability is transferred.
Preservation of contracts, etc., and adaptation of references.
139.— (1) Every contract, agreement or arrangement made between An Bord Uchtála and any other person and in force immediately before the establishment day—
(a) continues in force on and after that day,
(b) has effect as if the name of the Authority were substituted in the contract, agreement or arrangement for that of An Bord Uchtála, and
(c) is enforceable by or against the Authority.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person who, immediately before the establishment day, has a contract, agreement or arrangement with An Bord Uchtála is entitled as of that day, without any legal consequences, to terminate the contract by notice in writing delivered to the Authority.
Records of An Bord Uchtála.
140.— Each record held by An Bord Uchtála immediately before the establishment day—
(a) is transferred on that day to the Authority, and
(b) on and from that day, is the property of the Authority and shall be held by the Authority.
Pending legal proceedings.
141.— (1) If, immediately before the establishment day, any legal proceedings to which An Bord Uchtála is a party are pending in any court or tribunal—
(a) the Authority’s name is substituted in the proceedings for that of An Bord Uchtála, and
(b) the proceedings do not abate because of the substitution.
(2) Any reference to An Bord Uchtála in an order made by a court or tribunal before the establishment day shall be read on and after the establishment day as a reference to the Authority.
Pending adoption proceedings.
142.— If, immediately before the establishment day, any proceedings brought by an applicant or applicants to An Bord Uchtála for an adoption order are continuing—
(a) the Authority’s name is substituted in the proceedings for that of An Bord Uchtála, and
(b) the proceedings do not abate because of the substitution.
References to Adoption Board in enactments made before establishment day.
143.— (1) In subsection (2), “statutory instrument” does not include an adoption order or any amendment to an adoption order.
(2) Subject to this Act, on and after the establishment day, references to An Bord Uchtála or the Adoption Board—
(a) in any Act passed before the establishment day, or
(b) in any statutory instrument made before that day under an Act,
are to be read as references to the Authority, unless the context otherwise requires.