Vol. 486 No. 1
607 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the completion of a new adoption agreement between Ireland and Romania to facilitate couples resident in Ireland effecting a legally valid adoption in Romania; and the current position with regard to this matter. [2159/98]
Agreement with the Romanian authorities on the terms of a co-operation agreement between Ireland and Romania has already been reached. The seeking of the approval of the Dáil and authority for signature of the agreement are matters that are currently before the Government and I am expecting a decision shortly. I intend to travel to Romania to sign the agreement in mid-February and officials in my Department are currently liaising with the Romanian authorities in order to make the necessary arrangements.
