asked the Minister for Justice whether any contraventions of Section 40 of the Adoption Act, 1952, have come to his notice, and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am not aware that any contraventions have taken place in recent years. In the first year of operation of the Act five instances occurred which on investigation appeared to indicate that breaches of Section 40 had been committed but the institution of court proceedings in these cases was not feasible.

Can the Minister give me more details about these five cases? My question refers to the offences under that section. Can he give details of the year and dates on which these contraventions took place?

I am afraid I have not the particulars to hand. I understand the reason proceedings were not feasible was that the persons concerned were outside the jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction of what?

Of the State.

At what time?

At the time when proceedings might have been instituted.