Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
641. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on inter-country adoption arrangements between Ireland and Vietnam; the way this programme will be administered into the future; if funding is guaranteed for the mediation agency Helping Hands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4438/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2012 the AAI and the Vietnamese Central Authority for Adoption signed an Administrative Agreement for intercountry adoption. The Administrative Arrangement is the first international administrative agreement for intercountry adoption entered into by the AAI and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam since both countries ratified the Hague Convention. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is an independent sovereign state As such it will decide the manner in which it implements the Hague Convention, including the numbers of children deemed suitable for intercountry adoption having regard to the principles of the Convention. It is assumed that the numbers of adoptions by Irish parents may not reach previous levels. The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) has accredited two agencies for activities in relation to facilitating adoptions from Vietnam. While currently a number of issues in relation to accredited agencies are being examined no decisions regarding the funding of accredited agencies has been made.
