merrion street

Frances Fitzgerald,T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today

highlighted recent developments that have taken place in relation to

intercountry adoption with Vietnam.

Minister Fitzgerald said that Ireland had a long tradition of cordial

relations with the Peoples' Republic of Vietnam. "I recently met with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Ireland Mr Vu Quang Minh.  I took the opportunity to raise the issue of intercountry adoption and the impending visit of Deputy Pat Breen, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs, to Vietnam.  My meeting with the Ambassador was positive and I discussed with him Ireland's wish to continue to see Vietnam as a country of choice for adoption for prospective Irish parents.  The meeting was instrumental in leading to the arrangement of a meeting between Deputy Breen and the

Vietnamese Minister for Justice Mr Ha Hung Cuong during his recent visit to Hanoi."

Minister Fitzgerald was recently briefed by Deputy Breen.  "I have been

advised that the Vietnamese Government is eager to treat Ireland as a

priority country for adoption following their ratification of Hague" said

Minister Fitzgerald.  The Vietnamese authorities have indicated that they are finalising technical issues in relation to the ratification process.

Minister Fitzgerald confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place regarding official visits between the countries.  Minister Fitzgerald said that the Vietnamese authorities are committed to putting in place the legislative framework that supports safe and secure domestic and intercountry adoptions.  "I am confident that in the the near future Vietnam will ratify the Hague Convention and I am pleased with the progress that has been made in the discussions between our countries."