Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I was involved in the introduction of the Civil Registration Act 2004, which introduced new opportunities for solemnisers and also the dedication of particular buildings and areas for civil marriages to take place. I know that officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs are liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs with regard to these issues. I am not in a position to say as yet whether we actually would need to introduce any new legislation because unfortunately it may have been that embassies were not aware of the changes that took place arising from the 2004 Act. I will certainly inquire as to how this matter will need to be resolved.

See this speech in context