Adoption Authority of Ireland hears the voice of the child at remote adoption hearings

On 12 May, the Adoption Authority of Ireland held adoption hearings using remote technology for the first time since its establishment. The remote hearings led by Adoption Authority Chairman Dr Geoffrey Shannon were necessitated by the current Covid-19 social distancing restrictions.

The Authority is very happy to be able to progress adoption applications by way of remote hearings for children, whose best interests are at all times the paramount consideration for the Authority. Given the urgent and sensitive work carried out by the Authority, it will continue its commitment to ensuring that there is no delay in processing adoption applications as it carries out its functions as a quasi-judicial body in these challenging times.

CEO Patricia Carey said:

"It is critical that there is no delay in hearing adoption applications, Therefore the Board of the Authority, led by the Adoption Authority Chairman Dr Geoffrey Shannon, has adapted its procedures to use remote technology. The remote hearings have been designed to ensure that all participants can give formal evidence remotely while maintaining the integrity of the adoption system including the legal proofs required".