Vol. 473 No. 5
95 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he will amend the Family Law Act 1995 specifically in relation to the requirement to give three months pre-notification for all marriages after 1 August 1996 to enable married couples who, for a variety of reasons were unable to meet this requirement, to have their marriages formally recognised by the State. [1953/97]
Section 32 of the Family Law Act, 1995, which came into effect on 1 August 1996, requires parties to a marriage to notify the local registrar of marriages of their intention to marry not less than three months prior to the date on which the marriage is to be solemnised. The effect of section 32 is that unless special exemption has been obtained in accordance with the Act a marriage shall not be valid unless the parties have met the notice requirement.
Administration of the registration system for marriages is primarily a matter for the RegistrarGeneral of Births, Deaths and Marriages and for local registrars who operate under his general direction. I have been advised by my colleague, the Minister for Health, who has responsibility in relation to the office of the Registrar General, of some difficulties which have arisen in relation to certain aspects of the notification requirement under section 32. Consultations are taking place between my Department and the Department of Health with a view to finding an early and satisfactory solution to the problem involved. All avenues of approach, including amending legislation, are being considered and decisions in the matter will be announced as quickly as possible.
