The Taoiseach may be aware that there are five Irish families who have had a referral from Russian families to adopt children but that due to changes in the eligibility criteria by the Russian authorities, these Irish families risk losing the children referred to them. Does the Government intend to act in a humane and compassionate manner in this regard and bring forward amending legislation to the Adoption Act 2010 which would ensure these five families would be united with the children for whom a referral has been made?

It is a difficult issue for the families involved. This matter is being examined. The ambassador in Moscow has been in touch with the Russian authorities. The question of legislative change has to be considered. It is a sensitive and difficult area, in particular for the families involved.

If legislative change is necessary, will it be forthcoming?

As I said, the ambassador, on the instruction of the Minister, has been in touch directly with the Russian authorities to see if this can be resolved. It is not easy.

If legislative change is necessary, will it be forthcoming?