Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 222: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, for the purpose of adoption there is a bilateral agreement in place between Ireland and Russia; if not, the position regarding the ratification of the Hague Convention by Russia; if this means that Russia will be closed to Irish applicants who wish to adopt in that country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42068/06]

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

The Adoption Board currently has bi-lateral adoption agreements with China, Belarus, Romania, Vietnam, Thailand and The Philippines. Belarus and Romania have, however, ceased inter-country adoption. I am not aware of the position regarding the ratification of the Hague Convention by Russia.

The legislation which will ratify the Hague Convention, bringing it into force under Irish law, is currently being drafted. If the Russian authorities have not ratified the Convention by the time it comes into force under Irish law, or if the Adoption Board does not have a bi-lateral Agreement with the Russian authorities, Irish applicants will no longer be able to adopt in Russia.