asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications that have been made to the courts to dispense with the consent of a natural mother to the making of an adoption order under section 3 of the Adoption Act, 1974; and the number of such applications that have been (a) granted and (b) refused.
Written Answers. - Adoption Act Applications.
968.
To date 25 such applications have been made to the High Court and 24 of them have been disposed of. Eighteen of the applications were successful, three of which have been appealed to the Supreme Court and are awaiting hearing in that court. In six cases no order was made and the remaining case is listed for hearing in July.