Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if independent adoptions in Mexico will be recognised in Irish adoption law in view of the fact that they are under the Hague Convention, and if she will provide reassurance to Irish adoptive parents who are in this position. [9419/10]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Adoption Bill 2009 will take into account the case of inter-country adoptions with Mexico; if such adoptions by Irish couples will be permitted into the future; if she will assure couples currently in the process of adopting a child from Mexico that these adoptions will be allowed to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9489/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 139 together.

The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future inter-country adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.

With regard to 'independent' adoptions, Part 13 of the Adoption Bill outlines the restrictions on a person in seeking to make arrangements for adoptions. It also identifies the particular role of accredited authorities in this regard.