Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - Civil Marriages.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

46 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements, if any, being made for a venue regarding civil weddings in the Dublin area taking place after 31 July 1998 when the Registrar retires; if so, the size of the venue to be provided in order that people can plan their weddings and the number of guests; if he will have arrangements made for an interim venue to be provided if advance notice of a permanent new venue is not yet possible; and if he will have arrangements made to notify those who have given their intention to marry in a civil ceremony from 31 July 1998 until a permanent venue becomes available. [11526/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The present registrar of marriages for the district of Dublin retires on 31 July 1998. Appointments of Registrars of Marriages under the Marriages (Ireland) Act, 1844, are made by me, on the recommendation of the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The new Registrar of Marriages for Dublin will be appointed from suitably qualified officers of the Eastern Health Board currently serving in the registration services. The Eastern Health Board is looking for a suitable location for the office of the Registrar of Marriages which will also be the venue for civil marriages. The board has recently identified suitable accommodation in Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital for this purpose. This accommodation, which is of the order of 1,000 square feet, is in need of refurbishment and in the interim arrangements have been made to provide a temporary office for the Registrar of Marriages on the third floor of Joyce House. This office, which will comprise an area of 500 square feet, will also have its own separate waiting area.

The Registrar of Marriages has been advised of these interim arrangements so that couples arranging weddings from 1 August 1998 will be informed of the location of the office.