JUST TWO MEN were declared eligible to adopt in Ireland between 2004 and 2013.

During the same period, 3,598 couples and 232 women were approved.

The figures were revealed in the Dáil recently, in response to a parliamentary question asked by independent TD Terence Flanagan.

Children’s Minister James Reilly said that the Adoption Authority of Ireland is unable to say how many of these approvals led to an adoption as some people will have “withdrawn from the process for a variety of reasons”.

A declaration of eligibility and suitability remains valid for there years, meaning the figures may include applicants who reapplied following the expiration of an earlier approval.

adoption stats

Figures for 2014 are not yet available.

Read: Which countries do Irish people adopt children from the most?

Column: On marriage equality and the red herring of raising children

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Just two men have been approved to adopt since 2004

Read: Which countries do Irish people adopt children from the most?

Column: On marriage equality and the red herring of raising children

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.