In view of the fact that the need for divorce legislation or the introduction of legislation which would bring it more into line with the annulment process of the Catholic Church is in greater demand—there has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of people looking for these annulments and the number seeking deserted wife allowance has gone from 2,000 to 5,000 in the most recent year—is it not a matter of urgency that the divorce laws be brought more into line with western usage? I should like to bring the Taoiseach's attention to the fact that next year the divorce laws in the North of Ireland will be brought into line with British laws in this regard. In those circumstances we are moving further away from the northern part of the country because of the conservative nature of our laws.

As far as this affects the Constitution the Deputy is aware that I indicated to him in another respect that the question of nullity, in so far as it differed from certain church laws, had been referred to the Law Reform Commission. The question of a change in divorce would be a matter for legislation in the first instance by this House and referring it as a question to the electorate by way of referendum and that is not being considered.