Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 1

Written Answers. - Registration of Marriage.

Michael Bell

Question:

117 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the registration of the marriage of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the application was made to the Registrar in Drogheda, County Louth, on the relevant statutory form three months prior to their marriage and that this couple was advised that the details as supplied were in order; if his attention has further been drawn to the stress that this situation is causing to the couple; if he will agree that any error which occurred in the process was not their fault; the steps, if any, which are being taken to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20298/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The administration of the registration system for marriages is primarily a matter for An tArd Chláraithoir (Registrar-General) of Births, Deaths and Marriages and for local registrars who operate under his general direction. I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen in this instance and I very much regret the problems which these may have caused for the couple involved. I understand that An t-Árd Chláraitheoir has sought the advice of the Attorney General's office in relation to the legal issues which arise from the error, which has occurred in this instance and every effort is being made to find an early and satisfactory resolution to the problem raised by the Deputy.