Adoption Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 March 2014

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Questions (171)

Derek Nolan

Question:

171. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will apply the provisions of the Hague Convention retrospectively regarding the adoption of children from Hague signatory countries using declarations of eligibility and suitability issued prior to 1 November 2010, as per the implementation and operation of the 1993 Hague inter-company adoption convention guide to good practice; if she will confirm that the Adoption Act 2010 does not specifically disallow this retrospective application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11090/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Adoption Act, 2010, gives force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, provides a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Any adoption from a Hague country must comply with the the Adoption Act, 2010 and the Hague Convention.