Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 198: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will outline communications in recent weeks between the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the US State Department regarding inter-country adoption with the United States; and if she will specify the current situation regarding these negotiations and provide an outline of the process as it proceeds from here. [33782/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) made an official visit to the US State Department in Washington on 30th March 2012. The AAI reported that meeting was very positive and productive for both sides.

Subsequently a Memo of Understanding relating to intercountry adoption between Florida and Ireland drafted by the Authority was transmitted to the US State Department in its role as the US Central Authority. It is understood from enquires made of the Irish Embassy in Washington that the draft is being examined and that the USA remain committed to concluding this matter as quickly as possible.

On 12th June the AAI accredited ARC for the purposes of adoption mediation with the US.