Fergus O'Dowd
Question:298 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the adoption by Irish citizens of children born and resident in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.
The Adoption Board entered into a working arrangement with Belarus in 1999 to facilitate the adoption of children from Belarus to Ireland. This arrangement has recently been suspended by the Belarussian authorities until a co-ordinator has been appointed to assist Irish couples in adopting a child in Belarus.
The National Adoption Centre in Belarus is considering the appointment of a co-ordinator and is due to decide on this by the end of June. I understand that the board is drawing up a new information pack for prospective adoptive parents who wish to apply to adopt in Belarus.
The Adoption Board is maintaining close contact with the Belarussian Authorities to try to ensure that any changes in Belarussian requirements are notified to interested couples as early as possible.