Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the aspects of the draft protocol on adoption between Ireland and Belarus which have been found to be incompatible with Irish law; the further steps she has taken and which steps she intends to take to expedite agreement of such a protocol between Ireland and Belarus; if she has satisfied herself that the Adoption Board is taking all appropriate steps in informing prospective adoptors of Belarus children of the status of negotiations regarding the draft protocol on adoption between Ireland and Belarus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2908/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Representatives of the Adoption Board travelled to Belarus in October 2005. They met with officials of the national adoption centre and the Ministry of Justice. During the visit the Belarusian officials presented the Adoption Board with a draft protocol on inter-country adoption between Ireland and Belarus. Following examination of the protocol by the Adoption Board and the Attorney General a number of constitutional and legislative concerns were raised. The board is currently attempting to find ways to resolve the issues with the mutual agreement of both parties. The Adoption Board is treating the agreement as a priority matter. The Deputy will be aware that the agreement is subject to sensitive international negotiation and it would not be appropriate for me to go into any further details at this time.