Adoptions from abroad fall under strict new regime

Eilish O'Regan Health Correspondent – 04 June 2013

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/adoptions-from-abroad-fall-under-strict-new-regime-29317430.html

THE number of Irish people who have successfully adopted a child abroad has plummeted following restrictions introduced in recent years.

Figures reveal that foreign adoptions fell from 307 in 2009 to 117 in 2012 and only seven have been ratified so far this year.

The drop is linked to the ratification by Ireland of the Hague Convention, which came into effect in November 2010 and closed off a number of countries where Irish people were traditionally adopting children.

Prospective parents have been confined to countries which had also ratified the Hague Convention – but discussions are under way and are expected to expand the selection which have agreements with Ireland.

Arrangements have been secured since with Vietnam and the United States and this should open up some new options for adoptions.

A spokeswoman for Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald (pictured above) said that inter-country adoption continues to be a complex and changing area.

"Many countries with which Ireland traditionally had intercountry adoption relationships have amended their legislation and procedures in line with the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption in order to ensure the welfare and protection of children underpins the process," the spokeswoman said.

The department has worked with the Adoption Authority to strengthen co-operation with countries from which Irish couples have traditionally adopted.

"The minister has travelled to Vietnam, India and Russia with a view to exploring the potential for greater co-operation.

"Administrative arrangements have been effected by the Adoption Authority of Ireland with Vietnam, and now the USA.

"The Indian authorities have outlined their willingness to allow for inter-country adoption to Ireland and referrals from Bulgaria have begun."

Referring to countries outside the Hague Convention, she said the department is currently examining the development of a bilateral agreement on inter-country adoption with Russia.

All adoptions of children from foreign countries by Irish people have to be ratified by the Adoption Authority, and this will not be done unless it is satisfied it has all been above board according to the new laws.