Adoption watchdog to enforce new rules

A HIQA-STYLE inspection unit to ensure bodies approved to provide adoption services meet strict new regulations is being considered by the Adoption Authority.

The unit is expected to carry out regular inspections of accredited adoption service providers and is part of a more stringent regime in Irish adoption.

It is hoped the regulations will mark a fresh start for adoption regulation in Ireland and protect against a recurrence of abuses carried out in the past.