Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
207. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the current situation regarding the inter country adoptions arrangements between Ireland and India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdoptions between Ireland and India must comply with the terms and conditions of the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The Hague Convention is a co-operative agreement drawn up to allow countries to mutually support one another in protecting the best interests of children in the intercountry adoption process. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) is the Central Authority with responsibility for overseeing standards in respect of the adoption process taking place within this jurisdiction.
The AAI, in 2011, was notified by the Indian National Central Authority (CARA), that CARA would not be accepting dossiers from Irish applicants either until 30 September 2011 or until further notice as India was reviewing its intercountry adoption guidelines. A delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland visited India in June 2012 to discuss intercountry adoption with the Indian authorities. The delegation met with representatives of CARA and with representatives of a number of diplomatic missions in India.The Authority informs me that a report of the visit is being considered by the Board of the Authority.
The Authority advises me that if adoptions are to recommence the services of an accredited body will be required for inter country adoption between India and Ireland. The Authority has sought expressions of interest from accredited bodies in this regard. Further information on the matter is available on the website of the Adoption Authority of Ireland (www.aai.gov.ie).
