From the Independent:
Hundreds of Irish couples seeking to adopt a child from abroad face fresh uncertainty as new legislation restricts the number of countries that are open to them.
The Adoption Bill, which was passed on Friday, excluded Russia, Vietnam and Ethiopia from the list of countries.
Only countries that have ratified the international child protection agreement, the Hague Convention, or entered into a bilateral agreement with Ireland are recognised.
In 2008, 117 children were adopted here from Russia, 182 from Vietnam and 26 from Ethiopia.
It is hoped a bilateral agreement can still be reached with Russia and that Vietnam will ratify the Hague Convention.
A spokeswoman for Children’s Minister Barry Andrews last night said the legislation would come into effect from November 1.
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