Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Clearly the Report Stage debate on this Bill gives an opportunity for Deputies to raise these issues. They were also raised on Committee Stage and at that point I said that I would raise them with the Minister for Social Protection and I have done so. I will relay today's discussion to her again because I believe these are issues for consideration. I do not need to elaborate further on them because they speak for themselves. Deputies have outlined the particular points and the limitations of current arrangements. Clearly various discussions must be had with the relevant people to make these changes, but the points made are valid and there is no question of me arguing against them. That said, the issues raised are not for this Bill. They are issues for the Minister for Social Protection. I have already relayed the Deputies' concerns to her and I am sure she will determine what steps are needed in terms of the practical points made by Deputies.

In terms of the other aspect of the Bill, that is, the frameworks for the solemnisation of marriage and who can be a solemniser, the current arrangements are long-standing and were not put in place lightly. The role of solemniser is a serious and responsible one. Deputy Buttimer said that he is not sure he would agree with the changes proposed by Deputy McNamara. The person authorised to act as solemniser is nominated either by the approved religion of which he or she is a member, as the Deputy has said, or the approved secular body as provided for in the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2012. Following that Act, bodies must comply with the requirements set down in legislation and solemnisers must have the necessary training. All these issues and any unforeseen consequences which could arise would have to be considered in detail before changes could be countenanced. I do not believe these amendments are for this Bill but this discussion certainly has been worthwhile. The issues raised should be followed up and I will ensure they are.

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