Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
1160 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will outline the progress made, including timelines, with regard to the establishment of a bilateral agreement with Russia for inter-country adoption into Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18020/12]
View answer1165 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding talks with Russia on a bilateral adoption agreement; the stage of these negotiations; her plans for the negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18381/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1160 and 1165 together.
Initially I should state that a limited number of adoptions from Russia are currently being processed under transitional arrangements as provided for in the Adoption Act 2010. Under the provisions of the legislation, such adoptions may take place up to the end of October 2012, with the possibility of the Adoption Authority granting approval for an extension of up to one year.
The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. It is a minimum set of standards in intercountry adoption in areas such as subsidiarity, consent and financial considerations. It is designed in such a way as to allow for mirrored mechanisms and structures to mutually assure countries of the safety and standard of intercountry adoptions in those countries. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) performs the function of a Central Authority under the Adoption Act 2010, in accordance with the Convention. In choosing to deal primarily with Hague countries, the AAI has the mechanism to work collaboratively with equivalent structures in that country. Each Central Authority has the responsibility to oversee standards in respect of those parts of the process taking place within their respective jurisdictions. This mutual arrangement is designed to give the AAI, the Government and, most importantly, those involved in the adoption process assurance as to the standards being set and the oversight of the system. Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and there appears to be no immediate prospect that this will happen. In the circumstances, adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bi-lateral agreement developed to the standards of the Hague Convention.
An official delegation from Ireland recently visited Russia and held preliminary discussions regarding the potential for a bilateral agreement. I have received an initial assessment from the Adoption Authority which will inform the next steps to be taken in relation to this matter. My Department is in discussions with the Adoption Authority on this assessment and other issues which will influence any policy decisions to be taken in this regard. I am aware of the need to bring clarity to the situation in respect of Russia and I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.
The immediate priority of the Adoption Authority is the development of administrative arrangements with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention. Any future bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would also be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Convention.
1161 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the declarations issued for inter-country adoption by the Adoption Authority of Ireland since 1 November 2010 by country, both new declarations and revised declarations. [18022/12]
View answerThe latest available information from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) dates from February 2012 and indicates that the number of new Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability issued to persons intending to adopt from abroad issued pursuant to Section 40 of the Adoption Act 2010, since November 1st 2010, is 178. In addition, pursuant to Section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010, the AAI has, since 1st November, 2010 issued 556 revised Declarations to persons who were already in possession of a valid Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability issued prior to 1st November 2010 by the former Adoption Board.
