Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

In my contribution I asked about those in a legal limbo as a result of the ratification of the Hague Convention. They did everything by the book but found the adoption process in which they were engaged was being finalised as the Hague Convention was being transposed. I refer specifically to approximately 20 families adopting from Florida. They did everything in accordance with what was required by the Irish authorities at the time but the adoptions were being finalised as the Hague Convention came in to force and as a result, they found themselves in a legal limbo.

Another example is a family adopting from Vietnam who did everything correctly at the time but found when the Hague Convention came into force the adoption agency they had been using in Vietnam was no longer accredited in Ireland. As far as the Florida cases are concerned, the 20 children have been adopted legally as the State is concerned. When we move forward we must not forget these families.

I understand a review is taking place of adoptions from Kazakhstan. Will the Minister provide an update on the matter?

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