Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a paradox. On the one hand, we are signing up to a treaty designed to protect children's rights and their best interests, but on the other hand we are looking to countries which, for whatever reason, have not agreed to be bound by these rules. Bilateral agreements were initiated to ensure proper procedures were put in place with countries that had, for whatever reasons, not signed up to the Hague Convention. I do not for one minute doubt the Minister's sincerity in this area, but it has raised very serious concerns. She cited the fact that bilateral agreements are complex as a reason for moving away from them. Does the Department or the Adoption Authority of Ireland wish to move away from them?

This seems to be an aspiration of the Minister. Why has she chosen to move from this area? Can she alleviate the fears and concerns that are out there in this regard?

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