Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will ratify the Hague Convention on adoptions. [10496/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State with responsibility for children has primary responsibility regarding adoption matters. Ireland signed the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption in 1996. Ratification of the convention requires legislative amendment and the designation of a central authority.

In 2005, following the publication of the Government's proposals for change, a consultation process was undertaken with people involved with adoption or working in that field, at the request of the Minister of State with responsibility for children. The consultation process included, inter alia, consideration of legislative proposals relating to the ratification of the Hague Convention. The proposals also provided for the establishment of an Adoption Authority which will replace the existing Adoption Board as the central authority required under the Hague Convention. The heads of the adoption (Hague Convention, adoption authority and miscellaneous) Bill are being drafted in the Parliamentary Counsel's office. It is anticipated that a Bill will be published in autumn 2006.