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

394. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the short-term impediments to the completion of a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation for the purposes of inter-country adoption with Ireland; the steps that have been taken to address the issue of post placement reports in the negotiations towards achieving a bilateral agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33052/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Adoption Act 2010 provides for adoption of children into Ireland from countries that have signed and ratified the Hague Convention and from countries where a bilateral agreement on adoption is in place. The Hague Convention is a landmark in regard to inter-country adoption and provides an international architecture that prioritises the best interests of children.

While it has signed the Convention, the Russian Federation has not ratified the treaty. This has prevented recent adoptions from Russia into Ireland. Over the last number of years efforts have been ongoing to try and reach a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation on inter-country adoption.

Since its establishment, my department has carried forward this work but significant issues remain in the way of an agreement. For example the Irish Constitution is very clear on the integrity of the family unit here and Russian requirements for post placement reports on adopted children pose a difficulty in that regard.

My department has been working with the Irish Embassy in Moscow in seeking progress towards a bilateral.

In 2013 officials from the Russian Federation travelled to Ireland for a meeting. Officials from my department had considered going to Russia earlier this year, however this meeting was deferred. The Irish Embassy in Moscow has been assisting in liaising with the Ministry of Education and Science, which is the responsible department in Russia.

My Department is engaged in an extensive work programme across a wide range of issues with a clear central theme; to work in the very best interests of children and young people, protecting and enhancing their lives. The issue of the negotiation of a bilateral agreement with Russia must be considered in the context of the overall priorities of the Department in relation to adoption and the general focus of Ireland in regard to countries of origin for Inter Country Adoption.

Work on the bilateral has not ceased and it remains the aim of the Department to finalise a bilateral agreement on inter-country adoption with the Russian Federation. However it will not be possible to finalise this agreement in the short-term.