Jimmy Deenihan
Question:292 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding adoption procedures for Romanian children by Irish couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Romanian Adoption Committee announced a one year moratorium on intercountry adoptions beginning on 21 June 2001. This moratorium has been extended on several occasions pending the passage and implementation of new legislation to regulate Romania's adoption system. I understand that it is not possible to predict the actual date of enactment and implementation of the new legislation at this time.
I met with the Romanian Minister for Children in December last year and was advised that the new legislation being drafted would have the best interest of the child at its core and also that the proposals were aimed at encouraging fostering and domestic adoption in Romania as well as improving the processes of intercountry adoption in line with the principles set down in the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation on Intercountry Adoption. I am supportive of the efforts of the Romanian authorities to reform their legislation. I am hopeful that such reforms will lead to the creation of a more transparent intercountry adoption system that safeguards children.
Question No. 293 answered orally with Question No. 120.