Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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640. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on developments on inter-country adoptions with India. [28296/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Adoption Authority has accredited Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency to facilitate intercountry adoptions from India. The Authority has informed the Indian Central Authority, CARA, of the Authority's decision and sought a favourable and speedy decision on approval from the Indian authorities. Helping Hands Mediation Agency has lodged an application for accreditation with CARA in the Indian Embassy in Ireland and the Indian Embassy has confirmed that that application has been forwarded to CARA where it is receiving consideration.

I met with the Irish Indian Adoption Group recently and will continue to maintain contact with this Group with regard to progress on this matter.