David Norris (Independent)

Concerning my earlier comments on the Department's attitude regarding Vietnamese adoptions, there seems to be a certain amount of confusion. The closing of the existing bilateral agreement was triggered by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. That was in spite of a general acceptance that the Vietnamese experience has been a model one and was promoted as such by the Adoption Board. On top of this, despite the positive remarks the Minister of State made during the debate, he has not yet sent a draft of the new agreement to Vietnam. I accept he made a successful and positive trip to Vietnam before Christmas but this agreement expires in less than two months. My colleagues have also raised concerns about agreements with Ethiopia and Russia and the possible adoption of siblings.