TWO Irish couples who want to adopt Chinese babies claimed in the High Court yesterday it could be almost two years before they would be assessed because of delay by the Eastern Health Board.
They were given leave by Mr Justice McCracken to challenge by way of judicial review a decision of the health board that they cannot be assessed straight away.
Mr Peter Finlay, counsel for the couples, said his clients wished to adopt Chinese babies. Under the Adoption Act (1991), couples must be assessed for suitability to adopt. This was the function of the Eastern Health Board.
Both couples applied in February to the health board and were told they could not be assessed straight away. Mr Finlay said the earliest possible opportunity was in a year from now. As assessment took nine to 12 months, they were talking about 1998 before it was completed. The Act said a couple must be assessed "as soon as practicable".
However, a delay of up to two years was substantial, Mr Finlay said.
The judge said they were clearly entitled to proceed by way of judicial review.