asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that research is necessary in the field of adoption; if he is prepared to support this; and the specific measures he proposes in this regard.

There appears to be belief in some quarters that I and my predecessors have been setting our faces against research in the field of adoption and that we have refused to allow well-thought-out programmes of research to be implemented. Nothing could be further from the truth. As far back as 1972 the then Minister for Justice took the initiative in suggesting to An Bord Uchtála that a research project might be drawn up. The present position is that discussions have taken place between the board and my Department and it is understood that the board are now consulting the adoption societies with a view to establishing what specific areas ought to be covered and what form the research should take.

What amount of funds will be available for such projects?

I have not got that information in my brief.

May I have an undertaking from the Minister that reasonable requests for reasonable sums of money to assist in adoption research will be favourably considered and that there will not be any cheeseparing in regard to that important area?

The Deputy can have that assurance.

Can the Minister say whether he will consult widely on this question of adoption research? He mentioned consulting the adoption societies, but as some of the difficulties that arise are ones that arise in relation to the work of the societies, will he consult widely on the research that is required and not confine himself to the societies in this respect?

Part of the difficulty which my predecessors experienced was that the view was held that any necessary research should be done by the board. This was not acceptable to my predecessors and the matter has now been widened considerably by having consultation with the societies as to how best we can have the research carried out. I will bear in mind what the Deputy says and I see no reason why it should not be done.