asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions brought for bigamy during the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

During the three years ended on 31st December, 1974 there were three prosecutions for bigamy.

I am not sure what the Deputy has in mind in asking if I will make a statement. If he is thinking of the position created by the fact that in certain cases persons whose marriages have been annulled by an ecclesiastical tribunal may not be entitled to an annulment under civil law, I would refer him to the reply I gave to Question No. 16 of the 18th June last, which indicated that the civil law in relation to nullity is being examined.

Has the Minister any legislation in mind to resolve the conflict between the civil and the ecclesiastical law?

All I can say is that the civil law relating to nullity is being examined and that the examination is at an advanced stage. I would anticipate that decisions will have to be taken as a result of that examination. I cannot anticipate what those decisions will be because they will have to be taken by the Government, and certain proposals will be put.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.

I wish to raise on the Adjournment Question No. 10 on the Order Paper of yesterday, 18th November.

The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.

May I mention Questions Nos. 268, 269, 270 and 271 on the Order Paper? These questions relate to the placing of orders abroad, in fact in Japan, by Irish Shipping. As the ships will probably be built before these questions are reached, I am asking for written replies on behalf of Deputy Cronin and myself.

That request will be conveyed to the General Office and I am sure it will be complied with.

It is a matter of urgent national importance.

The Chair appreciates that.