Madam, – Minister for Children Barry Andrews has been lobbying the Russian authorities to remove Ireland from a list of countries to which Russian children cannot be adopted (Home News, April 26th). Ireland is on the list because adoptive parents have not been complying with Russian requirements in relation to post-placement reports.
The Minister has indicated that the State has no power to compel parents to co-operate in the reporting process. Before Russia removes Ireland from the blacklist, perhaps he could explain why this is the case and what he proposes to do about it. Will the necessary powers be provided for in the Adoption Bill currently before the Oireachtas? Or in the proposed referendum on children’s rights?
If not, why would Russia remove Ireland from the blacklist? – Yours, etc,