The Adoption Authority of Ireland is seeking applications from persons interested in fulfilling the role of Authorised Person as it pertains to adoption applications.

Sections 26 to 29 of the Adoption Act 2020 relate to consent in adoptions. The sections establish that consent must be given freely and those giving their consent must be fully informed and understand the legal implications of giving their consent. The Act allows the Authority to authorise certain persons to act on their behalf to ensure compliance with these requirements. The Authority refers to such persons as 'Authorised Persons'.

There are procedures in place for the Authorised Person to carry out this role and these will be fully explained to successful applicants. In summary, the Authorised Person will be required to meet with a party to an adoption application whose consent is required for the application to proceed. They will meet in private to discuss consent and the Authorised Person will arrange to complete a statutory form with the relevant party. The Authorised Person also signs this form and brings it before a notary public, commissioner for oaths, or solicitor and attests that in their professional view the person they have met with fully understands the legal implications of the consent and their legal rights in respect of this. The completed form is returned to Tusla who will submit it to the Adoption Authority with the actual consent forms as part of the adoption application.

The Authority wishes to set up a panel of Authorised Persons with as wide a geographic spread as possible. The number of consultations required can vary greatly year to year; therefore the Authority cannot guarantee that all Authorised Persons will be called upon. This will depend on numbers and geographic locations of the relevant parties.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a recognised legal or social work qualification;
• Have legal or social work experience in adoption;
• Be available to travel to meet relevant parties;
• Be willing to swear or attest legal documents.

Vetting

This is a critical and highly sensitive role. All successful applicants must undergo Garda Vetting before being appointed and will be subject to vetting at regular intervals in line with Adoption Authority policies. 

Remuneration

Payment is made at a rate of €70 per consultation, plus reimbursement of verified travel expenses or relevant legal fees incurred while carrying out the role.

Application

Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter. The letter should set out clearly how the applicant fulfills the requirements for the role.

The CV and cover letter should be submitted by email only to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 12 noon on Friday 21st May 2021. Please include 'Authorised Person Application' in the subject line of the email. 

Further information about the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Adoption Acts can be found at www.aai.gov.ie.