Inter-Country Adoptions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006

Tuesday, 28 February 2006

Ceisteanna (147)

Dan Neville

Ceist:

175 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding inter-country adoptions between Ireland and Belarus. [7787/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

Representatives of the Adoption Board travelled to Belarus in October 2005. They met with officials of the National Adoption Centre and the Ministry of Justice. During the visit the Belarussian officials presented the Adoption Board with a draft protocol on inter-country adoption between Ireland and Belarus. Following examination of the protocol by the Adoption Board and the Attorney General a number of constitutional and legislative concerns were raised. The board has taken account of these concerns and issued a revised protocol to the Belarussian authorities for their consideration.