Russia plans to outlaw adoption middlemen

Russian plans to outlaw middle-men in the adoption process could make it easier, and less expensive, for childless Irish couples to adopt from that country.

Inter-country adoptions cost an average of €10,000 but the fees being charged by private facilitators in former Soviet states can soar to twice that amount.

The Irish Adoption Board is hoping Moscow will set up a state-regulated mediation service to stop people profiting from prospective parents, and their prospective children.