Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1926

Vol. 16 No. 2

IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. - VOTE 41—GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE.

Mr. BLYTHE

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £9,328 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch a 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1927; chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí Roinn Ard-Chláradóra na mBeireataisí, etc. (7 agus 8 Vict., c. 81, a. 54; 26 Vict., c. 11, a. 9; 26 agus 27 Vict., c. 52, a. 11, agus c. 90, a. 20; 42 agus 43 Vict., c. 70, agus 43 agus 44 Vict., c. 13).

That a sum not exceeding £9,328 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1927, for the salaries and expenses of the Department of the Registrar-General of Births, etc. (7 and 8 Vict., c. 81, s. 54; 26 Vict., c. 11, s. 9; 26 and 27 Vict., c. 52, s. 11, and c. 90, s. 20; 42 and 43 Vict., c. 70, and 43 and 44 Vict, c. 13).

Mr. BURKE

I do not think it is necessary to say very much on this Vote. There is an increase under sub-head A because of additional temporary clerical assistance necessary in connection with the issue to emigrants of certified copies of births and marriages. The increase is more than compensated for by the receipts under Appropriations-in-Aid. The American consular authorities require each intending emigrant to the United States to produce two birth certificates and, in the case of married persons, two certificates of marriage. Each intending emigrant must procure a passport from the Saorstát Government.

Mr. NAGLE

Could the Minister see his way to speed up the issue of these certificates, or is it the policy of the Department to give the people trouble simply because they are leaving this country? I had a few communications recently from persons who applied for certificates and I was informed that in some cases it took six or seven weeks for the officials of this Department—the General Register Office—to issue the certificates. On one or two occasions I went personally to the office and I found I could get a certificate within three days. Officials of shipping companies, I understand, can get certificates inside a week, but if an individual from the country applies he has to wait six or seven weeks.

Mr. BURKE

I am aware of that. It was owing to the fact that there was not an adequate staff to deal with the rush for these certificates. They underestimated the amount of work that would be involved. There was considerable congestion at the start, but that has since been remedied, and in future the Deputy will have no grounds for complaint.

Sir JAMES CRAIG

I understand the Registrar-General has retired, and I have heard his post is not going to be filled. Has the Minister anything to say with regard to that?

Mr. BURKE

There will not be any new appointment to that office. We intend to effect an economy here, and officials of my Department will exercise the duties formerly exercised by the Registrar-General.

Vote put and agreed to.