Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I do not agree. I agree that adoption work and the international relationships among countries participating in inter-country adoption are very complex because we must take into account the law in Ireland and in the other countries, and most countries have very different systems for handling adoption. It is a complex issue which requires major attention to detail. As the Deputy said, the key issue is the best interests of the child. This is about the child, not the parents. Having said that, we want to work with Hague-compliant countries where possible. Where adoptions have taken place from countries that are not Hague-compliant, that is, where there is a history of adoption between Ireland and a particular country, such as Russia or Ethiopia, we are examining the possibilities for bilateral agreements. The Hague Convention was signed only in November 2010, so we are in a relatively new situation with regard to procedures. I want to support the parents as much as possible.

The new CEO of the AAI has taken up his position only in recent weeks. I wish him the very best. I have had a number of meetings with him and with Geoffrey Shannon, the chairman of the board. The board and staff are very committed to their work. There is considerable demand and there are very complex circumstances to deal with.

With regard to India, I have spoken to the Indian ambassador to Ireland and have asked him to give us whatever information he can. I have been using diplomatic channels to assess the circumstances in India. There have been some difficulties in correspondence.

After signing up to the Hague Convention, many countries have stopped the process until they get their own law and processes in order. There has been something of a delay and it has been very tough on some of those who have been caught up in the changes. The circumstances after the Hague Convention are quite different from those that obtained before it. I assure the Deputy the Adoption Authority will be very conscious of the issues regarding communication with those who want to adopt and the of giving high-quality information. I have been in discussions with the board on those issues.

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