Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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575. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding inter country adoptions with Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2794/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As Russia has not ratified the Hague Convention future adoptions from Russia, beyond those provided for under the transitional arrangements, may only be possible under a bi-lateral agreement. The negotiation of bilateral agreements on intercountry adoption with states who have not ratified the Hague Convention is governed by Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010.

It is the role of the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) to make an assessment of whether the intercountry adoption legislation and practices in a non-contracting state, in this case Russia, are in compliance with both Irish legislation and the principles of the Hague Convention. As part of this assessment the Adoption Authority has reviewed a draft bilateral agreement presented to it during previous discussions with its Russian counterparts and has provided me with an initial assessment in this regard. I have asked the Adoption Authority to revert to me when they have clarified any outstanding matters and to provide a definitive recommendation to me on the feasibility of formally opening discussion with the Russian Federation under Section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010.

The Russian authorities have indicated that they are in a position to meet the AAI in the first quarter of this year. The Adoption Authority, through the Irish Embassy in Moscow, have confirmed their availability for this meeting. A response from the Russian authorities is awaited.