Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Adoptions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

244 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Russian babies adopted here since 1990; if there are new requirements of the Russian Government which involve the setting up a bilateral agreement between our two countries; the reason these arrangements have not been put in place to date; and if all necessary formalities will be complied with in order that the many prospective adoptive parents can be facilitated. [5767/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

In total 197 children have been adopted from Russia since 1991: one in 1993, one in 1996, four in 1997, 53 in 1998, 74 in 1999 and 64 in 2000. The figure for 2000 is provisional.

In May 2000, just prior to my pre-arranged visit to Moscow, three new decrees were introduced by the Russian authorities under the federal law No. 94 of June 1998. The resolutions provided for the establishment of an interdepartmental commission to oversee and regulate adoption procedures in the Russian Federation, including adoptions by foreign citizens – resolution 267; the accreditation of foreign adoption agencies operating on the territory of the Russian Federation – resolution 268; and procedures by which a Russian, or foreign citizen, can adopt a Russian child – resolution 275. The coming into force of these regulations meant that foreign agencies currently operating in Russia must be accredited by the Russian authorities. In addition, resolution 275 provided that applicants may only be represented by agencies accredited in their own country for five years or more.

During my timely visit to Russia, I had the opportunity to explore the implications of the new resolutions with the relevant ministries. I specifically raised the issue of the situation of pro spective adopters in Ireland. I outlined the situation with regard to the absence of such agencies in Ireland and the absence of legislation to provide for a system of accreditation envisaged in the Russian resolutions. The intention of my visit had been to develop a bilateral working arrangement with the Russian Federation along the lines agreed with a number of other states, but the Russian Government did not see a need for a bilateral agreement between our two countries as they intended signing the Hague Convention which they have since done. At that time, I was assured that Irish couples could continue to adopt independently by approaching the relevant Russian authorities directly.

On my return I made several statements outlining the situation to prospective adopters and I know that the Adoption Board have also been active in informing prospective adopters regarding the issue. I have continued to monitor the situation and I understand adoptions of Russian children by Irish couples continue to proceed. In the meantime I have been examining the legislation governing the accreditation of agencies to provide mediation services outside the State and I am actively pursuing this matter with the Adoption Board. I am hopeful that this matter can be clarified very soon. I am progressing with the representative of the Russian Government arrangements for future co-operation in the context of their legislation.