Vol. 474 No. 6
105 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate facilities to consumers attending the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at Joyce House, Lombard Street, Dublin 2, where lengthy delays are commonplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3616/97]
Limerick East): The administration of the registration system, including the services and facilities provided at Joyce House, is statutorily a matter for An tArd-Chláraitheoir (Registrar-General) of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Superintendent Registrars and district Registrars who operate under his general direction.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Superintendent Registrar's Office in Joyce House, to which I presume the Deputy is referring, is engaged in the business of providing certificates for all births, marriages and deaths occurring within the Dublin City and Dublin County area, and can become very busy, sometimes unexpectedly. I understand that these difficulties were compounded on a recent occasion because of an unusually high incidence of staff sick-leave, a situation which has since improved significantly. I also understand that, in circumstances where it would prove difficult for personal applicants to wait, they may deposit their application (s) for certificates with the appropriate fees and the relevant certificates which are posted within a few days, or are made available for collection at a time which is more convenient for the applicant.
