Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
314. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend the Civil Registration Act 2004 to enable notaries public to solemnise marriages in civil wedding ceremonies for persons who do not wish to carry out a humanist or religious ceremony on the weekends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legal basis for the appointment of marriage solemnisers in Ireland may be found in Part 6 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended.
Section 54 of that Act provides for the categories of bodies and organisations which may apply for registration of persons on the Register of Solemnisers maintained by an t-Árd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General).
These are:
- The Health Service Executive for the registration of a registrar employed by the Executive,
- A religious body (as defined) for the registration of a member of that body, and
- A secular body (as defined) for the registration of a member of that body.
There are currently no plans to amend the legislative provisions in relation to the appointment of marriage solemnisers.
