Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has called for the Adoption Act to be amended to assist a number of Irish couples whose prospective adoptions of Russian children has been jeopardised by changes in Russian law.

Deputy Troy commented: “A unique situation has developed in recent weeks for some Irish couples. Approximately five of them are in an unfortunate situation whereby having arranged to adopt a Russian child, the Russian government subsequently changed the rules to extend the length of time an adoptive child is to be registered on its national adoption database from 6 to 12 months.

“This will have a devastating impact these couples as the children they propose to adopt will only be 12 months on the database after October 31 next when the Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability for prospective Irish adoptions expires.

“The solution here is for the Dáil and Seanad to simply amend section 41 of the 2010 Adoption Act to enable any couple with referral to proceed to have their adoption finalised. However to do this we need the Minister and the government to act.

“In calling for this I do not propose any diminution of adoption standards set out in the Hague Convention which informs the Act. Rather I seek the change purely to accommodate the small number of couples that are affected. I have no doubt that such legislation could pass through Dáil and Seanad very quickly.”