Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
978. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress that has been made regarding an adoption agreement between Ireland and India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46931/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra986. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an Irish accredited agency has been approved by CARA to work on adoptions in India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45776/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 978 and 986 together.
On 14 March 14 I led a delegation, which included the Chairman of the Adoption Authority of Ireland and a Department official, on a visit to India. This visit afforded me the opportunity to assess the position in relation to inter-country adoption in India.
As part of this visit, I was able to clarify issues in relation to inter-country adoption between Ireland and India and the requirements of the Indian authorities in that regard. I was advised that registration is now open with CARA for special needs cases; this includes children with intellectual or physical disabilities, siblings including twins, and children over 5 years of age. The issue of the Indian authorities' acceptance of an Irish accredited agency was also discussed and the Indian authorities were positively disposed in this matter. It was explained that India currently operates inter-country adoption with other Hague countries without the need for any specific administrative agreements of the type envisaged in Article 72 of the Adoption Act 2010.
The Adoption Authority has advised that it is its view that a registered accredited body to facilitate inter-country adoption is necessary. The AAI will consider any applications it receives in this regard.
