Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand the complexities of this issue and welcome the timely introduction of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2013, the purpose of which is to extend the period of currency of declarations of eligibility and suitability which apply to the Russian Federation by one year to 31 October 2014 for those prospective adoptive parents who held such declarations on 31 October last. I hope it will restore the necessary opportunity for the small number of prospective adoptive parents affected by the heart-breaking consequences of the changes in Russian law which are the backdrop to the problem.

As soon as those circumstances became apparent, a concerted campaign was launched by the individuals affected and the Russian Irish Adoption Group, RIAG, to explore all possible avenues for a resolution. I commend them on their efforts. We have all been engaged with by RIAG and the prospective adoptive parents, who have done a very solid job.

The efforts of the Minister and her Department involved high level discussions with the Russian authorities. The Departments responsible for education and foreign affairs engaged in an effort to address what was, in essence, an impasse. Changes to Russian family code laws, which came into effect in Russia on 3 July last had, along with existing Irish legislation, serious implications for a number of prospective adopters in Ireland. These changes related to the period a child must spend on the federal registry in Russia before becoming available for foreign adoption. While the deadline of 31 October loomed for many prospective adopters with pre-2010 declarations, a small number of prospective adopters who had intended having their adoptions completed by this deadline were clearly unable to do so. This was through no fault of their own, nor was it the intention of the authorities here. It was quite clearly a result of unexpected changes in Russian family law.

I have referred to some of the affected people. I acknowledge not only the contribution of RIAG but also that of Pamela, Lisa and others whose names I cannot cite off the top of my head. Those individuals with whom I have been in direct contact were very far down the road to adoption and have already been to Russia. They have met and formed a bond with the children they plan to adopt. Their circumstances touched the heartstrings of every one of us. Those of us who are parents can very well appreciate the circumstances in which these people found themselves. We were touched by the human and personal stories involved and we recognised how emotive the process was, particularly for the prospective parents, who at all times presented their case in a very honest and heartfelt way. It is because of their approach, persistence and tenacity that they were in a position to win our collective support in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am glad that it is with this legislation that we are concluding our work in advance of the Christmas break. I refer to the making of this critical amendment that allows prospective adoptive parents from Ireland to proceed to complete, within the next ten months, the adoptions they have been looking forward to so very much.

The amendment to the Adoption Act 2010 will give more time to finalise adoptions that are already in progress. I commend the Minister. I welcome her approach to this matter. From meetings I have had with her on this matter, I acknowledge she shared our commitment to finding a resolution that would meet the needs of the Irish prospective adoptive parents. I ask the Minister to keep this matter under constant review to ensure possible outcomes are realised for all of the prospective parents involved. From the Minister's introductory remarks, I note there are in the order of 23 prospective parents. I did not realise there were so many. The number in my mind was somewhat lower. I wish all 23 prospective parents every success and hope this is a very happy Christmas for them.

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