Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 451: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the public will be able to avail of the opportunity of conducting a civil marriage in places other than a registry office as provided for in the Civil Registration Act 2004; her views on whether many of these registry offices are unable to facilitate any type of substantial gathering; her further views on whether there has been a huge increase in the number of civil marriages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2305/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar General, is the person with statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland, including civil marriages. I have made enquiries with an tArd-Chláraitheoir and the position is as follows.

The Civil Registration Act, 2004 provides for the commencement of the various provisions of the Act on a gradual basis. 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, were commenced on 5 December 2005. 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 the 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 October 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.

I am aware of the fact that some of the existing offices of registrars of civil marriages are less than ideal when it comes to facilitating large gatherings. I am also conscious of the considerable and continuing increase in demand for civil marriage ceremonies. Both of these factors were taken into consideration in enacting the new marriage provisions and I am confident that these provisions, once commenced, will lead to significant enhancement of the services provided in this area of civil registration.