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Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, will visit Moscow this week for diplomatic discussions with her counter part, Minister Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. She will also meet with members of the Committee of Family Affairs in the Russian Duma.

Minister Fitzgerald stated:

I am glad to have this opportunity to meet with Minister Livanov. This meeting will give me an opportunity to clarify the degree to which negotiation of a bilateral agreement under Article 73 of the Adoption Act 2010 with the Russian Federation can address the concerns of both our countries and meet the requirements of our respective legal systems

The purpose of any bilateral agreement would be to ensure that intercountry adoption between Ireland and the Russian Federation can take place - in accordance with best practice and respecting the constitutional and legal requirements of both countries.

Minister Fitzgerald said:

I am aware that many Irish families wish to adopt from the Russian Federation. Over 1600 Russian children have been adopted by Irish families and many of these families wish to adopt again from the Russian Federation. This visit and these discussions will give me an opportunity to explore further whether a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation is feasible.

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