asked the Taoiseach if he will give an estimate of the number of marital breakdowns in Ireland in recent years; the number of children involved; and if any surveys are being undertaken to provide more accurate information in this area.

There are no official statistics specifically relating to marriage breakdown available at present, but I am circulating in the Official Report details of proceedings for divorce a mensa et thoro, custody and guardianship, maintenance and barring orders and of social welfare payments to deserted wives in recent years.

The 1983 labour force survey at present being conducted by the Central Statistics Office in respect of a sample of 45,000 households includes a specific question about actual marital status and it is hoped that, on the basis of this question, meaningful classification of the population according to marital status will be possible.

Following is the statement:

1. Court Proceedings.

Divorce a mensa et thoro (High Court)

Special Summonses issued for hearing of disputes as to the custody of children under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964 (High Court)

Proceedings issued for hearing of disputes as to custody of children under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1964 (Circuit Court)

Barring Orders and Maintenance Orders (District Court).

Special Summonses issued by a spouse seeking a Maintenance Order pursuant to the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976 (High Court).

2. Social Welfare.

Number of Deserted Wife's Allowance and Deserted Wife's Benefit in payment at end of each year.

Would the Minister of State agree with a recent newspaper estimate that there are up to 70,000 adults involved in marital breakdown in the State?

We have no firm estimates of the number of people involved in marital breakdown. The survey I have mentioned will be conducted nationwide. Respondents will be asked to indicate one of the following descriptions: widowed, married, married but separated, deserted, marriage annulled, legally separated, other separated, divorced in another country. That will give a clear picture.

Would the Minister of State agree that as this is just a survey it is unlikely to give the accurate figure which I am seeking?

It is unlikely to give an accurate figure. Unfortunately if the 1981 census of population had allowed for the category `separated' which was requested by many groups at the time we would have a clearer picture now. However, that was a decision taken by the Deputy's party at that time.

The Minister of State agrees that it is unlikely to give an accurate figure. As there are no accurate figures available what plans has the Minister of State to try to get more detailed accurate information?

I would welcome any suggestions the Deputy may have had. It is not clear what exactly the Deputy is looking for.

Would the Minister of State accept that there are 70,000 adults involved in marital breakdown?

No. The Deputy could have taken that figure off the top of his head. There is no evidence to suggest that is the case.

Will the Minister of State include a similar question in any future census eliciting this information? Would that not be more sensible than wasting money on a survey?

It would have been had it been done——

There is no point in going back.

We will consider it carefully for the next one.