Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Committee on Education and Social Protection: Select Sub-Committee on Social Protection

Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014: Committee Stage

1:35 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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What Deputy Ó Snodaigh has stated is probably correct, but I believe laying out the criteria will act as a deterrent. At present what we have is not sufficient, so we will introduce a slightly higher bar. Registrars are extremely experienced in this area and will also have support and training. The Deputy is absolutely correct, as once someone attempting a marriage of convenience is challenged, he or she will take flight. I hope the introduction of the legislation will prevent an abuse taking place. I thank Deputy O'Dea for his remarks. It is a difficult area in which to draft legislation. This is an extremely good attempt to do so but it needs to be kept under review.