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Inter-Country Adoptions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Questions (220)

Jack Wall

Question:

220. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to previous Parliamentary Questions, when does she expect that the Adoption Authority of Ireland will start processing adoptions from India or when will an agent be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17892/13]

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Written answers

On March 14th I lead a delegation to India which included Dr G Shannon, Chair of the Adoption Authority of Ireland and a departmental official. The visit, which was in conjunction with representing the Irish Government at official functions in India for St Patrick's Day, afforded me the opportunity to assess the position in relation to inter country adoption in India.

During the visit myself and members of the delegation, accompanied by the Irish Ambassador to India, met with senior Ministers from the Indian Government with responsibility for child welfare, including adoption, and with Government officials and agencies involved in areas related to child welfare. These included a very constructive meeting with Dr Pati, head of the Indian state adoption agency, CARA. I visited the Palna Orphanage from which a number of Indian children have been adopted by Irish families.

These meetings afforded me the opportunity to clarify issues in relation to inter country adoption between Ireland and India and the requirements of the Indian authorities in that regard. I was advised that registration is now open with CARA for special needs cases; this includes children with intellectual or physical disabilities, siblings including twins, and children over 5 years of age. The issue of the Indian authorities acceptance of an Irish accredited agency was also discussed and the Indian authorities were positively disposed in this matter. It was explained that India currently operates intercountry adoption with other Hague countries without the need for any specific administrative agreements of the type envisaged in Article 72 of the Adoption Act 2010.

My Department is currently examining the role of accredited agencies under the Adoption Act 2010 including the issue of operating costs. I am anxious to ensure that such agencies are underpinned by sustainable financial structures which operate within international norms for adoption. Most importantly all fee structures should be set at an appropriate level and deliver transparency for all the parties involved.

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