Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the constitutional ultra vires problems Ireland has with the proposed new intercountry adoption agreement being negotiated with Belarus (details supplied). [39028/06]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The examination of the draft protocol agreement with Belarus has raised a number of constitutional and legal concerns. The Department is currently attempting to find ways to resolve these issues with the mutual agreement of both parties.

The difficulties in attempting to satisfy both the Belarusian authorities' requirements and the legal and constitutional imperatives that apply in this jurisdiction are currently being worked through.

It is very difficult to be specific regarding a timescale for the conclusion of these negotiations but I can confirm that the Department is treating this matter as a priority.