Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

To clarify, I stated that 78% of those seeking foreign adoptions are considering non-Hague Convention countries or countries with which we do not have bilateral agreements. This figure is from the International Adoption Association, which does research in this area. Couples seeking foreign adoptions contact the association for advice and to declare their interest. That is a fact and we should not make little of it.

I do not believe the Minister of State answered my question on couples who are in process and have a declaration to travel to Russia. For example, I have just received a text message from a couple who state they have been given a declaration to travel in June and have been informed that is fine. This Bill could be enacted by June. In that case, what is the position of the couple? They have also been informed that many of the couples on their course are now excluded. Foreign adoptions in Russia are clearly an issue.

I share Senator Fitzgerald's concern that the Department may not have sufficient resources or that its staff may be over-worked. I have no doubt that it is doing brilliant work with regard to Vietnam. However, I was recently involved in bringing a body home from Vietnam and our dealings with the Vietnamese authorities were horrifically slow and difficult. It took us three weeks to have the matter dealt with. These are human issues which take a long time to address. Human issues also arise on this side. Will the Minister of State clarify the position of couples who are in process and have a declaration to travel but may not have travelled to collect the baby they wish to adopt before the Bill is enacted?