Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7509/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Civil Registration Service has been engaged in a major modernisation programme in recent years, including conversion of historic records to electronic format, implementation of a new computerised registration system and organisational reform. This work, which is key to the implementation of the Civil Registration Act 2004, is being carried out in phases and the stage has been reached where it will soon be possible to begin commencing certain provisions of the Act.

The Civil Registration Act 2004 provides for the commencement of the various provisions of the Act on a gradual basis. It is expected that parts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 of the Act, which relate to the administration of the service and the registration of births, stillbirths and deaths, will be commenced shortly.

The new procedures for marriage are set out in part 6 of the Act, and include universal procedures for notification, solemnisation and registration of marriages. Before these provisions can be commenced, a substantial body of work needs to be completed, including drafting and publication of regulations, guidelines and detailed procedures; establishment of a register of solemnisers in consultation with religious bodies; establishment of a register of approved venues for civil marriages; and the further development of the computer system to facilitate the administration of the new marriage provisions introduced by the Act.

In addition, the General Register Office is decentralising to Roscommon in April 2005, and this involves considerable effort to ensure the transfer of sufficient skills and corporate knowledge to enable the new team to provide an efficient service from the new location. For these reasons, an tArd Chláraitheoir — Registrar-General — is unable to give a specific date for the implementation of the new marriage procedures, but it is unlikely to be before the end of this year. It is intended to give as much public notice as possible, and a comprehensive public information campaign will be undertaken at the appropriate time.