asked the Minister for Justice when it is intended to introduce legislation to deal with the whole question of deserted wives; and what form this legislation will take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deserted Wives Legislation.
20.
As I said in reply to a question on this subject on 23rd October, proposals for increasing the maximum rate of maintenance allowance which the district court may award to deserted wives are included in the scheme of a Courts Bill which is at present being considered by the Government.
I am also having legislation prepared to provide for the enforcement of foreign maintenance orders in this country. The enforcement of Irish orders in Britain will, as I mentioned before, require the enactment of legislation by the British Parliament. I have made representations to the British authorities concerned about the urgency of this matter from our point of view.
The social welfare aspect of the problem is a matter for the Minister for Local Government and Social Welfare.