Vol. 395 No. 2
77 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Justice the number of foreign divorces of Irish citizens which have been validated for the purpose of re-marriage in this country in each year from 1986 to 1989; who determines if a foreign divorce is to be recognised in Irish law; the criteria by which such determinations are made; and if there is a right of appeal on decisions taken.
My Department has no function with regard to the keeping of records in this matter. The question of recognition of foreign divorces is a matter of law to be determined by the courts. In coming to a decision a court would have regard to the rules of common law that were applicable up to 2 October 1986 or the provisions of the Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act, 1986, after that date depending on the circumstances in each case.
