Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague on the matter raised by Mr. Justice John McMenamin yesterday. According to the court reporting, consent was dispensed with in May 2010 when the person was under 18. The point made yesterday concerned the need to notify State authorities when someone is under 18. The requirement for three months notice was dispensed with when the application was made for consent to go ahead with marriage. Different cultures are living in the country and we must be mindful of that when dealing with legislation. The Minister for Justice and Equality should now examine the matter in respect of bringing forward legislation and making sure something like this is not allowed to happen again.

With regard to the visit of Michelle Obama yesterday, I compliment the Garda Síochána and the State authorities for the efficient way in which the trip was managed. The country received positive publicity as a result of the visit. Everyone involved in organising it should be complimented. We should not be slow to compliment people when it is a success.