Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has made provision for conducting a civil marriage ceremony in places other than a registry office; when the public will be able to avail of this opportunity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34116/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An tArd-Chláraitheoir, Registrar General, is the person with statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland. I have made inquiries with an tArd-Chláraitheoir and the position is as follows. The Civil Registration Act 2004 provides for the commencement of various provisions of the Act on a gradual basis. Preparatory work for the commencement of 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, is at a very advanced stage.

The new provisions for marriage are set out in Part 6 of the 2004 Act and include universal procedures for notification, solemnisation and registration of marriages, as well as a choice of venue for civil marriage ceremonies. 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 in the Act.

An tArd-Chláraitheoir is unable to give a specific date for the implementation of the new marriage procedures but it is unlikely to be before the autumn of 2006. It is intended to give as much public notice as possible and a comprehensive public information campaign will be undertaken at the appropriate time.