Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
861. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason no deputy chair has been appointed to the Adoption Authority of Ireland; when an appointment will be made; her views on the impact of an absence of a deputy chair in the context of the operation and governance of the authority; and when this appointment will be made. [5903/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe campaign to fill the vacancies for chairperson, deputy chairperson and five ordinary members of the board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland was managed by State Boards, which is part of the Public Appointments Service. State Boards recommended a number of candidates for consideration for appointment to the board. Six appointments were made from the shortlist of candidates - including the chairperson, Mr. John McDaid and five ordinary members of the board, Mr. Colin Fallon, Dr. Sheila Greene, Ms. Geraldine Keehan, Dr. Valerie O’Brien and Dr. Ciara O’Rafferty. As the State Boards' process did not identify a suitable candidate for the position of deputy chairperson, it was not possible to make an appointment. A further process to identify and appoint a suitable candidate for the position of deputy chairperson is underway.
The absence of a deputy chairperson in the short term should not impact negatively on the operation or governance of the Authority. The chairperson and other board members have been carrying out their functions effectively since their first meeting on 8 December 2025.
