Civil Registration Act.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2007

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Ceisteanna (128)

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

172 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive is obstructing implementation of the Civil Registration Act 2004 in so far as it has rendered it impossible for a couple to celebrate a civil marriage ceremony anywhere in Dublin, Kildare or Wicklow other than in a registry office in violation of the provisions contained in the Act which enables such marriages to be celebrated in other locations such as hotels; if an independent enquiry will be conducted into the failure of the HSE to properly carry out its delegated functions under the legislation; and if she will take action to require it to comply with its statutory duties. [35796/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

As the Deputy will be aware, the provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004, governing the giving of notice of intention to marry, solemnisation and registration of marriage were commenced on 5 November 2007. The commencement of the new provisions has the effect of repealing all the old legislation relating to registration of marriages dating back to 1845.

Under the 2004 Act, primary responsibility for the provision of civil registration services locally, including solemnisation of civil marriages at venues other than the registrar's office, rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Act also provides that an tArd Chlaraitheoir (Registrar General) exercises a supervisory role in relation to the provision of services by the HSE. I understand that certain difficulties have arisen in relation to the filling of staff vacancies in the Eastern Registration Area, and that an tArd Chlaraitheoir is seeking a meeting with the HSE to discuss the matter.