Last year saw the highest number of adoptions granted in seven years, according to new figures released to Newstalk.

All of the adoptions were granted via Zoom.

In general, there has been a sharp decline in the number of adoptions granted in Ireland over the past two decades.

For instance, in the year 2000, there were 303 domestic adoptions - but 20 years later, in 2020, that was down to just 81.

However, there was a significant increase last year, with the 101 granted the highest figures since 2014.

The majority of the orders granted last year were in respect of stepparent adoptions, which totalled 65.

24 were issued for children in long-term foster care.

The Adoption Authority of Ireland says it has used remote technology more since the pandemic began and that continued last year.

All of the 101 orders granted were done so remotely, via Zoom.

A further 16 parents who live in Ireland adopted children from abroad last year, with half of the kids coming from Vietnam.