Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I want to raise a couple of issues concerning these amendments and perhaps the Minister of State can cast some light on the situation. First, it is disgraceful that people are wondering whether or when the bilateral agreements will be concluded. If this matter was clarified it would relieve much anxiety for people who, for example, want to adopt children from different countries, including Vietnam. People are genuinely concerned about this. I will quote from a letter I received, which stated: "This is a massive blow to us, as we are registered with the mediation agency whose applications will effectively be put on hold from April 1st." Perhaps the Minister of State can update the House on this situation. People are saying the Vietnamese Government has told the Irish authorities it will cease to accept adoption dossiers from Ireland from 1 April. Is that accurate or has the situation been updated? I hope it has, but if it has not it is unacceptable that people are left to worry that their applications will not go ahead because, for some technical reasons, we have not concluded the bilateral agreements. The Minister of State should clarify the current situation, what his intentions are and what other countries he will deal with through bilateral agreements. That would be helpful. These amendments seek to remove the uncertainty that exists currently, albeit unnecessarily.

I would like to hear the Minister of State's views on standards and building flexibility into the legislation. The Bill requires some flexibility because Irish families may wish to adopt children from countries which, for a variety of reasons, have not signed up to the Hague Convention. Does the Minister of State envisage that some flexibility will be built into the legislation in this way while keeping the highest standards? I fully recognise there are downsides to this which is why I would like to hear the Minister of State's views. What is the international situation with regard to this matter? Have other countries that have signed the Hague Convention continued to allow some flexibility so that people can adopt children from non-contracting states? Will that flexibility apply to our legislation in future?

Amendment No. 50 proposes one way of dealing with the points that have been raised. It would allow the adoption authority to make an exception. The authority could assess whether an exception was required or desirable, having regard to various factors, but ensuring the standards continued to be met. I would like to hear what the Minister of State has to say about these amendments. Can he outline the Government's intention concerning the issues I have raised?