Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I brought a topic up here some weeks ago and Senator Mary White brought it up last week as well. It is becoming urgent. This is the question of Russian adoptions. It probably only applies to five adoptive couples. There is an anomaly that has occurred. These are couples who have been to Russia, have met their adopted children, have bonded with them, have spent time with them and have come home knowing that there was a six month delay before they could have the babies. It turns out that there is now a 12 month delay before they can have them. That is not a significant problem, except the Adoption Act 2010 states that any adoptions from non-Hague countries such as Russia would have to take place before 31 October.

These five couples - maybe there are more than five but there are at least five - have been in Russia and have bonded with their children. I have spoken to two of the families. They have met the children. They were waiting until the time came and the Russians have introduced legislation to say they need to wait until 29 December. We have a law which states we must get it done before 31 October. That is only a week away.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is sympathetic to this. She is understanding and she is made of stuff that would show that sympathy. She is having difficulty with the technicality of moving that 31 October deadline to a later date. It is easy to do. I gather, from the advice available, that all she need do is put down a motion stating that it is her intention to do that and that would be sufficient to enable the children to be adopted before the time runs out. I urge the Leader to use everything in his power to encourage the Minister to move on this without delay. The future of these children, and adoptive parents, depends on this to a large extent. It is almost like having one's own baby taken away, given that they have met the children, have bonded with them for days. It would be regrettable if, because of a technicality, they would not be able to proceed. There may be difficulties but I am sure it is possible. I urge the Leader to ensure the Minister understands the importance and the urgency of this.