I propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 455, 474, 540 and 548 to 550, inclusive, together.
Adoptions entered in the Register of Foreign Adoptions by the Adoption Board are considered to be safe and secure. In August, I was made aware of two significant reports regarding child welfare, protection and adoption in Vietnam, namely the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) Report and the International Social Services (ISS) Report. My Office has received the MoLISA Report and the finalised version of the ISS Report is expected to be received in November. I will be considering these two reports jointly and will not be taking further decisions until I have done so.
It was a matter of particular concern that 20 cases had applications completed and lodged with the Vietnamese side but had not received referrals by the 1 May deadline and could not therefore proceed. During my subsequent private visit to Vietnam, I requested the Vietnamese Government to give consideration to processing these 20 applications which were on hand in the Department of International Adoptions in Hanoi. In light of our continuing positive dialogue regarding a future adoption agreement between the two countries, the Vietnamese side acceded to this request.
I met the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Hoang Trung Hai, on 23 October to discuss adoption matters in general. The Deputy Prime Minister was leading a trade mission to Europe. The meeting was most amicable and allowed both Governments to outline their current positions in relation to the bilateral agreement and legislative developments in each jurisdiction, including Hague Convention ratification. Both Governments restated their desire to achieve the highest standards in inter-country adoption and they committed to ongoing dialogue to advance these goals.
I have sought at all times to ensure that prospective adoptive parents are kept fully informed of the position with regard to adoptions from Vietnam. This has been done through meetings with relevant support groups, updates on the website of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and through the issuing of statements as and when developments have arisen. I will continue to ensure that this level of communication is maintained.
