Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will clarify Ireland's current inter-country adoption arrangements with Russia; if she is recommending that parents proceed with adoption arrangements with the Russian authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4959/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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In relation to Russia, a limited number of adoptions are currently being processed under transitional arrangements as provided for in the Adoption Act 2010. Such adoptions may take place up to the end of October 2013.

Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention and there appears to be no immediate prospect that this will happen. Therefore, future adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bilateral agreement developed to the standards of the Hague Convention.

An official delegation from Ireland recently visited Russia and held preliminary discussions regarding the potential for a bilateral agreement. I am awaiting an assessment from the Adoption Authority which will inform the next steps to be taken in relation to this matter. The immediate priority of the Adoption Authority is the development of administrative arrangements with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention. Any future bilateral arrangements which might be entered into would also be required by law to meet the minimum standards set out in the Convention.