Talks could lead to Irish couples adopting children from Bulgaria
The Irish Examiner understands that a delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) attended a meeting with Bulgaria’s central authority on intercountry adoption yesterday and that a framework to allow Ireland to adopt from the country is almost agreed.
Under the Adoption Act 2010, which came into force last November, Irish people can only adopt from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. Bulgaria has ratified the convention.
It is understood the AAI has received a large number of applications from prospective adoptive parents wishing to adopt from the eastern European country.
Earlier this month, the Authority had advised applicants that, before any adoptions could be recognised, an administrative arrangement between the two countries was necessary.
“The AAI is aware that applicants are anxious to have their applications registered in Bulgaria but would ask that applicants bear in mind that in order to have any adoptions recognised by the Authority, then they must comply with the Hague Convention. The AAI is therefore endeavouring to ensure that the process is clear, agreed and robust and expect to have the arrangements finalised shortly,” said the statement.
The AAI also sent a delegation to the US this month to discuss intercountry adoption with officials there following a rise in interest from Irish couples.
The Hague Convention provides a framework under which adoptions between countries can take place, and is based on the principle that valid and informed consent to allow the adoption is obtained from the child’s mother, that intercountry adoption is a third option after adoption within the child’s family and domestic adoption, and that the adoption is not carried out for financial gain or incentive.
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