Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raises an interesting point in that there is an issue in terms of people being able to get married on a Saturday, for example. I do not necessarily agree with him on who can perform the ceremony. The appropriate person is the registrar. I met the registrar in Cork and her ceremonies, whether marriages or civil partnerships, are among the most moving ceremonies one could attend. She takes time and care and personalises each ceremony to an extent that would bowl one over. The Deputy is right that there is an issue with waiting times. It is a resources issue. Marriages can be solemnised Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of our best initiatives was to change the venue restrictions.

Deputy McNamara is from County Clare, where there are some fine outdoor venues. In my case, there are venues like Charles Fort, Elizabeth Fort and Christchurch in Cork county and city.

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