Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1257. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she wil provide an update on her Department's engagement with counterparts in Russia to date in drafting a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia concerning inter-country adoption. [37895/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1261. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will indicate the current status of the Irish-Russian bilateral agreement; the projected outcome of the upcoming October delegation talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38048/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1266. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is confident that a bilateral agreement on adoptions with Russia will be signed at the bilateral talks in October; the predicted time period for adoptions to resume between Ireland and Russia following the 31 October deadline date for section 63/40 declaration holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38753/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1257, 1261 and 1266 together.
In March of this year I travelled to Moscow, accompanied by Dr Geoffrey Shannon, Chair of the Adoption Authority, in order to discuss at a diplomatic level issues in relation to the potential for a bilateral agreement with Russia. My officials are in active discussions with officials in the Office of the Attorney General and in the Department of Foreign Affairs on advancing a draft agreement for consideration by the Russian authorities.
I can confirm that official discussions in relation to a draft bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption with Russia are due to take place when Russian officials visit Dublin in late October. I forwarded proposals in relation to resolving the issues around the post placement reporting requirement to the Russian authorities during the summer. In the course of my recent meeting with the Russian Embassy Attaché, he noted that the Russian officials were examining the proposals provided by my Department in advance of the visit in October.
I have been advised that I expect a clear indication from the Russian side as to the viability of a bilateral at the October meeting.
