Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Recently, there has been some uncertainty about the definition of a "place that is open to the public" with regard to where marriages and civil partnerships may take place. Legal advice has clarified that outdoor venues are not included under the current Act. The Department conducted a consultation process with the relevant stakeholders. The opinions put forward have been considered in the context of the drafting of these amendments, which provide a definition of a "place that is open to the public". They provide clarity about what constitutes a venue in which a marriage or civil partnership may take place. They provide for the following meaning of a "place that is open to the public", with regard to where a marriage ceremony or civil registration ceremony may take place:

In subsection (2) 'place that is open to the public' means—(a) a building that is open to the public, or
(b) a courtyard, garden, yard, field or piece of ground that is open to the public and lying near to and usually enjoyed with the building referred to in paragraph (a).

This technical amendment provides for section 66 to be amended so the reference to the “Minister for Health” is changed to the “Minister for Social Protection”.