The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues civil letters of freedom (known as Certificats de Coutume) to facilitate Irish citizens who wish to get married or enter into a civil partnership abroad. It is not an Irish requirement, but rather a requirement of the country abroad where the marriage or civil partnership is taking place. I am aware that the individual concerned is planning to get married in Latvia on 18 July.
As you will appreciate, the majority of the applications received are for marriages taking place over the summer months. As a result of the very large volume of applications being received within a narrow time frame, we are currently issuing Certificats de Coutume between six to eight weeks in advance of the date of the marriage or civil partnership.
I note that the applicant submitted his application in good time and he was advised that his application will be finalised in early May, which would be approximately ten weeks before his wedding date.
My Department has always sought to facilitate Irish citizens who are seeking letters of freedom to marry or enter into a civil partnership abroad and I would like to reassure the Deputy that the applicant’s letter will be issued at the earliest possible opportunity.
