Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends to implement the legislation on the liberalisation of marriage venues and have the licence in the person of the registrar perform the ceremony in a venue other than the registrar's office (details supplied). [3188/06]

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, including civil marriages. I have made inquiries 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, 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 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 that some existing offices of registrars of civil marriages are less than ideal when it comes to conducting marriage ceremonies. This factor was taken into consideration in enacting the new marriage provisions and I am confident these provisions, once commenced, will lead to a significant enhancement of the services provided in the area of civil registration.