Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2010
195 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements in place for the unmarried partners of diplomatic staff serving abroad; the way this compares to arrangements in the diplomatic services of each of the other 26 EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraUntil the enactment of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, there was no basis in Irish law or no arrangements in place for formally recognising unmarried partners of diplomatic staff serving abroad. The question of the effect of this new legislation, when commenced, on future arrangements for unmarried partners of diplomatic staff serving abroad, is at present being discussed by my Department with the relevant Government Departments as well as the Office of the Attorney General.
Information on arrangements for unmarried partners in the diplomatic services of the other 26 EU Member States is not readily available and it has not been possible to obtain it in the time available for reply. These arrangements differ between Member States as there is no common EU position on this matter.
