asked the Minister for Justice when he proposes to negotiate a reciprocal agreement with the British authorities to enable action to be taken against absconding husbands for the enforcement of maintenance orders made in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Absconding Husbands.
188.
Agreement in principle has already been reached in this matter but legislation is required both here and in Britain to give effect to it. Our draft legislation is at an advanced stage of preparation. I understand, however, that on the British side there has been a serious practical problem of finding parliamentary time to deal with their Bill and, on that account, I am not in a position to give any estimate as to when the matter can be brought to finality. I may say that the British authorities are fully aware of our anxiety to have this matter dealt with and I know that they too are anxious to deal with it as early as they can.