Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views regarding the outsourcing of assessment agencies for the purposes of inter-country adoption in the context of this function being moved away from the Health Service Executive; and if she will provide further information and a timeframe on this policy issue. [6074/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has developed preliminary proposals in relation to the outsourcing of inter-country adoption assessments and the issues involved are the subject of ongoing discussions with my Department. The outsourcing of this service will be considered against the backdrop of changes in the level of demand for adoption assessments, the overall cost effectiveness of outsourcing the service and the management of priorities within the HSE Children and Families Service.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the negotiations regarding the establishment of a bilateral agreement with Russia in the context of inter-country adoption for Ireland as a receiving country; and the current status of the process, together with the relevant timeframes involved. [6075/12]

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.