Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)
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Question 249: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on negotiations towards a bilateral agreement between Irish and Russian authorities on adoption, to facilitate adoption between the two states following discussions between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Foreign Minister in July 2005; the progress that is being made on Ireland's ratification of the Hague Convention in view of the fact that Ireland became a signatory to same over nine years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28759/05]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Further to the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Foreign Minister in July 2005 at which it was decided to follow up at official level the question of pursuing a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia on intercountry adoption, the Adoption Board has been in ongoing contact with the Irish Embassy in Moscow. Ambassador Harman met with the director of the department of governmental youth policy, upbringing and social welfare of children on 21 September 2005 to further discuss the matter and follow up action is being taken on foot of that meeting. It is important to note, however, that it is not possible at this stage to confirm either a timeframe for the completion of the negotiations or whether or not such negotiations will result in a successful outcome.

Legislation to ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 1993 was prepared by my Department and forwarded to the parliamentary counsel for drafting. It is hoped the Bill will be published in early 2006.