Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Tánaiste for his response and for the work that is being done with Russia. I ask the Tánaiste, in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to further develop Ireland's relationship with Ethiopia. We have a long history of connections with that country, including adoptive connections over the past 20 years. Is the Tánaiste aware that Irish people who were approved for adoption prior to the enactment of the Adoption Act 2010 are continuing to effect Ethiopian adoptions that are carried out to the Hague standards? In other words, the children involved in these adoptions are very safe. People in countries like the USA and Sweden are continuing to adopt from Ethiopia. Why can Ireland not assist these families? I take the point that complex issues arise in this context. The USA and Sweden are getting on with the job of resolving these complex child safety issues. Is the Tánaiste aware that there has never been any controversy surrounding Ethiopian adoptions? Can he verify, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that parents will not be in a position to adopt a second child if we do not act over the next few months? I ask the Tánaiste not to close the door to adoption from Ethiopia. These families are very concerned.

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