Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)

I thank the Minister, Deputy Burton, for taking this topical issue.

It is clear from her reply that there is a legislative framework which will allow the inter-country adoptions to take place, leaving aside the difficulties Ethiopia may be experiencing in ratifying the Hague Convention. There is a legislative framework and provision to allow us proceed with a bilateral agreement.

We have an embassy in Addis Ababa. I am happy to see that the Minister has sought an update, both from it and from the adoption authority but I have two specific requests. First, I urge the Minister concerned, Deputy Fitzgerald, to meet the Irish Ethiopian Adoption Association and resolve the remaining issues. Second, I urge her, as is only right and proper, to allow the bilateral agreement to take place so that we can promote families coming together and allow people in this country who want to adopt an Ethiopian baby the joy and happiness that such adoption will bring to their lives. It will also allow those who have already adopted children from that country to expand and develop their family unit.

We are living in difficult times but this is a good news story. It is a good story for children and for families. It is something that the Government needs to pursue with a considerable degree of enthusiasm, compassion and speed. The apparatus and legislative framework are in place. What we need is a political push. We have an embassy in Addis Ababa.

The Minister, Deputy Burton, spent a significant period of her life in the continent of Africa. She will be aware of the difficult social and economic issues challenging the livelihood of people in Ethiopia. I ask her to urge the Government and her colleague to pursue this issue.

I would respectfully ask that the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, would get back to me following the update that she has sought from the Irish Embassy in Ethiopia and having considered the possible next step. The framework is in place and we need to push it in that direction.

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