Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The proposed change to the definitions outlined above would include a body designated by the Minister. As currently drafted, the proposal does not yet contain criteria by which the Minister would designate a body and, as such, this will have to be addressed as it proceeds through the Oireachtas. It may also be worth examining whether there is a case for the Registrar General to have a role in the designation process. Under the current system, bodies may apply to the Registrar General. If the Registrar General refuses to register a person or cancels an existing registration, the affected person may appeal this decision to the Minister. In the circumstances, it would appear reasonable for the same system to apply.

The proposal to include members of non-religious bodies in the register of solemnisers is one I support. However, in light of the issues I have mentioned, it may be necessary for amendments to be proposed on Committee Stage.

As with Senator Bacik, probably all other Senators and most people in this country, I have attended funeral and wedding ceremonies which were conducted by humanists with great dignity, sensitivity and solemnity, as is the case with other registrars and the various religious persons who are entitled to solemnise weddings. The Humanist Association of Ireland has carried out such ceremonies with the solemnity befitting the great occasions we celebrate to mark particular passages in the life of individuals, families and society, namely, birth, marriage and death. I again commend the Senators who moved the Bill.