Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
93. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the law so that more categories of persons or professions can solemnise the ceremony of marriage, for example, qualified barristers or solicitors. [37005/15]
View answerThe legal basis for the appointment of civil marriage registrars in Ireland may be found in Part 6 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended.
Section 54 of the Act provides for the categories of bodies and organisations which may apply for registration of persons on the Register of Solemnisers maintained by an tÁrd-Chláraitheoir (Registrar General).
These are:
- The Health Service Executive for the registration of a registrar employed by the Executive,
- A religious body (as defined) for the registration of a member of that body, and
- A secular body (as defined) for the registration of a member of that body.
There are currently no plans to amend the 2004 Act in relation to the appointment of marriage solemnisers.
