Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 49:

In page 56, before section 81, but in Chapter 2, to insert the following new section:

"81.—(1) The Minister shall make a report to both Houses of the Oireachtas six months prior to the expiration of any bilateral agreement as to:

(a) whether it is proposed to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country,

(b) the steps taken to date to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country,

(c) the steps proposed to be taken to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country, and

(d) the date it is hoped that a new bilateral agreement will be in place.

(2) The Minister shall make a further report to both Houses of the Oireachtas one week prior to the expiration of any bilateral agreement on the progress in relation to its renewal outlining:

(a) whether it is proposed to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country,

(b) the steps taken to date to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country,

(c) the steps proposed to be taken to conclude a new bilateral agreement with the relevant country, and

(d) the date it is hoped that a new bilateral agreement will be in place.

(3) On the conclusion of any new bilateral agreement, or the renewal of any bilateral agreement, the Minister shall make a report to the Houses of the Oireachtas and, as soon as practicable after the conclusion of any such making or renewal of a bilateral agreement, cause to be lodged a copy of the agreement and a report of the Department of Health and Children on that agreement in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas.".

This amendment relates to bilateral adoption agreements. Obviously, the Minister of State is aware there is concern in regard to bilateral agreements, especially in respect of Vietnam. Perhaps he will bring us up to date on that agreement and whether it is ready to be signed off. What is the timeframe in regard to other bilateral agreements on which he said he will start to work once that one is agreed?

The intention behind this new section is that the Minister of State will make a report to the Houses of the Oireachtas prior to the expiration of any bilateral agreement outlining in detail whether a new bilateral agreement will be entered into, what steps have been taken with the relevant country and the date it is hoped the new bilateral agreement will be in place.

The Minister of State is aware that many parents who have adopted children from Vietnam are very keen to know the status of the bilateral agreement and would like to have had it agreed and concluded before this legislation was taken. There is concern that there is uncertainty for them, given that this legislation will be passed presumably before the bilateral agreement is in place. Perhaps the Minister of State will inform the House of the situation. This is a straightforward amendment and I am interested to hear the Minister of State's reaction.