Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010
234 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if the proposed Adoption Bill will recognise direct adoptions from Hague ratified contracting states where such adoptions are legislated for and administered in line with the Hague Convention good practice guidelines; if she will table an amendment to the Bill giving recognition to such adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6269/10]
View answerThe Adoption Bill 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
With regard to the issue of "independent" adoptions, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the provisions set out in Part 13 of the Adoption Bill which identify the restrictions on a person in seeking to make arrangements for adoptions. It also identifies the particular role of accredited authorities in this regard.
