Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Higgins for the manner in which he dealt with my reply to the question. A number of reports from 2008 are outstanding and the Department of Foreign Affairs is encouraging those involved to ensure that the work relating to these be completed.

The Russian Federation has its own rules and within its borders there are regional authorities which may have their own rules and these may be slightly different again. The HSE has been asked to co-operate by bringing forward the reports that are outstanding. The Deputy is correct that there is no point in attempting to apportion blame. I accept that he is not intent on doing so. There are a number of difficulties in a small number of cases where parents who have been through the process have difficulty in assisting the HSE. I hope that will come to an end. The HSE and the existing parents who have had the joy of a child should make every effort. Like all Deputies, I have received hundreds of e-mails and requests and, like every other parent, I can only begin to imagine the pain of people on the list. Everything is being done to complete the reports and finalise this.

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