Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I will follow these questions up and correspond directly with the Deputy. I am happy to answer questions in the House in regard to Vietnam. Significant progress has been made in recent weeks in efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on the adoption issue. I intend that I will answers questions relating to Vietnam in the House and I will correspond with the Deputy directly regarding his question.

The vetting legislation is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality and the Minister will bring the legislation to the House. My Department has been involved in the preparation of the Bill. I can only assume the Deputy's question was transferred because the Minister for Justice and Equality will bring the legislation to the House but, as he rightly said, it impacts on child protection. I am particularly keen that issues relating to vetting are dealt with as soon as possible for a variety of reasons, not least because it will aid the protection of children and will help agencies who are currently experiencing delays.

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