Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
193 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the difficulties being experienced by couples here who are attempting to adopt children in Belarus; and the measures being taken to address these difficulties. [26097/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements with the central authorities of other countries are primarily a matter for the Adoption Board. I have been informed by the board that the adoption centre in Belarus has confirmed that inter-country adoptions to all countries have been suspended by the Belarussian Government, pending a review of inter-country adoption laws, procedures and practices in Belarus. This suspension also applies to adoption applications already in Belarus.
I have also been advised by the Adoption Board that the board is in routine contact with the adoption authorities in Belarus to ensure that we are in full conformity with their inter-country adoption requirements at all times. The board regularly monitors and follows up on any outstanding post-placement reports. Post-placement reports from Ireland were not a factor in the decision to suspend adoptions. The adoption centre in Belarus is awaiting further clarification from the Belarussian Government as to the scope of the internal review of inter-country adoption that is to be carried out. The board will remain in close contact with the adoption centre as regards developments.
