Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Ba mhaith linn míle fáilte a chur roimh an mBille seo agus tacaíocht a thabhairt dó. We welcome the timely introduction of this Bill, which extends the period of declarations of eligibility and suitability which apply to the Russian Federation for one year to 31 October 2014 for those prospective adoptive parents who held such declarations on 31 October last. I hope it will provide some relief for the small number of families that are affected by the heartbreaking consequences of the changes in Russian law. As soon as those consequences became apparent, a concerted campaign was entered into by the individuals affected and the Russia-Ireland adoption group to explore all possible avenues of possible resolution. I understand that high-level discussions with the Russian authorities and the Russian departments of education and science, and foreign affairs took place in an effort to address the impasse.

The changes to Russian family code laws that came into effect in that country on 3 July last had serious implications for a number of prospective adopters in Ireland when taken in conjunction with existing Irish legislation. The changes related to the length of time a child must spend on the federal registry in Russia before being available for foreign adoption. As a result, a 31 October deadline loomed for many prospective adopters with pre-2010 declarations. A small number of prospective adopters who had intended to have their adoptions completed by this deadline were now clearly unable to complete their adoptions in the required timeframe. This was through no fault of their own but as a result of the unexpected changes in Russian family law. Some of these people, including Pamela O'Reilly and Lisa Fennessy, have been in direct contact with my colleague, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. They are very far down the road - they have been to Russia and have met and formed a bond with the children they plan to adopt. The human and personal stories involved in this situation, some of which we have heard this morning, are emotive, honest and heartfelt.

The Bill before the House, which amends the Adoption Act 2010, will provide more time for the finalisation of adoptions that are already in progress. I welcome the Minister's approach. I ask her to keep the situation under constant review to help ensure positive outcomes for all involved. I join Senator van Turnhout in raising concerns about other aspects of this matter. I am sure the Minister is aware them. I will not go back over them. We have had a good year. I believe the Minister is doing a good job. She is working hard for the rights of children. She knows that the treatment of children in direct provision is my own bugbear. I have raised that issue with her previously and I intend to do so again after Christmas. Our concerns about those children, as well as some issues relating to adoption here in Ireland, remain to be resolved. The introduction of this legislation is a positive move. This is a happy day for the families in question. As someone who has friends who have experienced the joy of foreign adoption, after the initial heartbreak of not being able to have children themselves, I have an appreciation of what this means to families and to the children themselves. Perhaps Senator Leyden should consider that the less said about the links of Fianna Fáil politicians with Russia, the better.