Vol. 530 No. 2
63 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department or any agency under his control offers information, advice or booklets on cultural difficulties which might arise for Irish citizens marrying in foreign societies or to people from abroad from differing backgrounds or religions. [3419/01]
The main role of the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to marriages of Irish citizens abroad is, when required by the civil authorities in a small number of countries and on the basis of sworn affidavits, to issue certificates of freedom to marry.
Marriage is essentially a private and personal matter. The Department therefore confines itself to encouraging Irish citizens who seek advice to find out in advance as much as possible about their prospective spouses and their cultures so that the life decisions they make are properly informed.
