The Adoption Act 2010 commenced on 1st November 2010. This coincided with Ireland's formal ratification of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.  The Adoption Authority was also established on that day. The purpose of the Adoption Act, 2010, is to improve standards in both domestic and intercountry adoption.  The regulatory framework governing adoption has been strengthened in an attempt to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at every step throughout the adoption process. With effect from 1 November 2010 inter-country adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement.  

From the 1st November 2010 anyone wishing to effect an adoption from a Hague country must be satisfied that the adoption is in compliance with the rules set out in the Hague Convention. The key rules to be adhered to are:

1. the adoption must comply with all the terms and conditions of the Hague Convention 
2. the agent/agency handling the adoption is properly accredited by the Central Authority of the sending State 
3. the agent/agency can produce a valid Article 23 Certificate from a competent authority of the sending State in respect of the adoption

The Hague Convention website (www.hcch.net) has details of the Convention and a list of the Central Authorities, the Accredited Bodies and the Competent Authorities in each country