Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 3

Written Answers. - Registration of Marriage.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

113 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children the current situation in relation to the Registrar of Marriages for the District of Dublin and the difficulties being encountered by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the procedures required to assist this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16021/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The appointment of registrars of marriages under the provisions of the Marriages (Ireland) Act 1844 is a matter for me as Minister. However the administration of the registration system for marriages is a matter for An t-Árd Chláraitheoir (Registrar-General) of Births, Deaths and Marriages and appointments of registrars of marriages are made on the advice of An t-Árd Chláraitheoir. For a number of years the policy has been to make such appointments for a specified period to facilitate An t-Árd Chláraitheoir in the exercise of his functions in relation to standards of registration practice. Each registrar of marriages appointed under the 1844 Act holds that office at the pleasure of an t-Árd Chláraitheoir. The registrar is required to maintain an office within his/her designated district and the duties of the registrar include the solemnisation of marriages in his/her own office.

The appointment of the current Registrar of Marriages for the District of Dublin is due to expire on 31 December 1997 and the arrangements for the solemnisation of marriages by the Registrar of Marriages in Dublin is currently under review. That review has to have regard not only to the suitability of any person being considered for such an appointment but also the suitability of the premises in which marriages might be solemnised. The Deputy may be assured that until a registrar of marriages ceases to hold office he or she is empowered to carry out all the duties of the office and also that a registrar on appointment would be obliged to recognise all validly issued licences and certificates for marriage issued by the previous registrar. In addition if a person, other than the current holder of the office, is appointed Registrar of Marriages for the district of Dublin in January 1998 his/her office would be at a convenient location in the city of Dublin and would have to meet certain standards of suitability. The new registrar would be expected to facilitate parties for whom dates for the solemnisation of marriages had been arranged by the outgoing registrar.