The provisions to which the Deputy refers no longer have effect in relation to proceedings where the relevant jurisdiction has been exercised by a court of a member state by virtue of Council Regulation, EC, No. 1347/00 of 29 May 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility for children of both spouses, SI No. 472 of 2001 refers. The council regulation in question entered into force for all member states, with the exception of Denmark, on 1 March 2001.
The provisions continue to be relevant where the pertinent status decision is not one to which the council regulation applies. The question of legislation to deal with divorces, legal separations and annulments which are granted in countries other than those to which the regulation applies is, subject to the disposal of priorities itemised in the Government legislation programme, being considered within the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to any amending proposals which may be necessary.