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 Inter-country 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 Inter-country 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 bilateral agreement.