The Deputy's question is not free of ambiguity and it would require detailed research to produce data which would satisfy the various interpretations to which it is open. Given the current pressures on the Garda Síochána, I do not consider that it would be proper to commit them to research projects of this kind.
I am sure the Deputy will have no difficulty in accepting my approach on this matter and the reasons for it and I trust that he will regard his information requirements as being adequately met if I give him the information which has been extracted from the available records by the Garda concerning cases of murder or manslaughter in the period 1980-90 in which proceedings were commenced against the spouses, common law husbands or boyfriends of the victim. There were 24 such cases involving 15 male and nine female defendants, of whom 21 were the spouses of the victim. All the females and all but three of the males were found guilty of either murder or manslaughter. Of the remaining three males, two were incapable of pleading due to insanity, and the case against the third was struck out.