asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that where an application to have a person made a ward of court due to mental incompetence is made and that where that person refuses to take a medical examination the matter can proceed no further; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick East): I am not so aware. The law gives the High Court discretion to deal with such matters and if in a particular case the High Court is not prepared to proceed it is because the court, in its discretion, does not think it right to do so. The Deputy will appreciate that I have no function in the matter and I think it right to add that I would consider it inappropriate that I should have any such function.