Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 24:

In page 37, subsection (1), lines 23 to 29, to delete paragraph (b) and substitute the following:

"(b) attend at the office of that registrar, or at any other convenient place specified by that registrar, including an Embassy or Consulate of the State, at any time during normal business hours——

(i) not less than 5 days (or such lesser number of days as may be determined by that registrar), or

(ii) in the case of a person who has resided outside of the jurisdiction for at least three months preceding the date of marriage, whose place of residence has no Irish diplomatic representation, not less than 1 day (or such lesser period as may be determined by that registrar)

before the date aforesaid and make and sign a declaration in his or her presence that there is no impediment of kindred or alliance or other lawful hindrance to the said marriage.".

This amendment concerns people who are residing in another country coming home to be married. The five days restriction is practical. These people should be allowed go to an embassy or consulate and do what is necessary. What we suggest in this regard is self-explanatory. We are foreseeing difficulties that may arise in such circumstances and we would welcome the Minister's opinion on it. This matter was raised in the other House and we felt it should be raised here because we foresee practical difficulties if the section is left as it is.