Frances Fitzgerald, TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, will visit Moscow this week for diplomatic discussions with her counter part, Minister Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
Minister Fitzgerald 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.”
Ends…/
Notes to Editors:
The following explain legislative or technical terms used in this press release:
Adoption Authority of Ireland – Following the commencement of the Adoption Act, 2010 on 1 November 2010, adoption in Ireland is now regulated by the Adoption Authority of Ireland which is an independent statutory body appointed by Government. The functions of the Authority, as set out in Section 96 of the Adoption Act, 2010 include functions of an operational, judicial and quasi-judicial nature in relation to the adoption process itself and relating to the Authority’s designation as the Central Authority for the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.
The Hague Convention - The Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) establishes international standards of practices for intercountry adoptions. These standards protect children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature or ill-prepared adoptions abroad. This Convention, which also operates through a system of national Central Authorities, reinforces the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 21) and seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children.
Bilateral Agreement – Under section 73 of the Adoption Act 2010, “The Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister and having regard for the principles of the Hague Convention, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that state.”