Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 240: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to intercountry adoptions with Morocco; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24209/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Adoption Board considered the Adoption Law of Morocco at its meeting on 3 July 2001. The board decided on that date that adoptions effected in Morocco are not recognised under Irish law.

Legislation is being prepared by Department of Health and Children to ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 1993. The heads of the Bill have gone to the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and it is hoped the Bill will be published in early 2006. It will provide a framework within which Ireland, by establishing a system of co-operation with those countries who have ratified the 1993 Hague Convention or who operate within the spirit of the convention, may regulate the process of intercountry adoption. Morocco has not signed or ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 1993.