Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I ask the Minister to seek clarification on the matter from his officials. I understand the 1992 Act allows the Minister and county registrars to extend the timeframe. If a registrar asks for a timeframe to be extended, the request is automatically granted. The registrar does not need to refer to anyone else once he forms the opinion that an extension is required. This power is available to him under an emergency provision in the legislation.

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