Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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550. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason Irish citizens born in the Six Counties have to supply a birth certificate with an apostille stamp; if her attention has been drawn to the added cost and time required for this process, in order to apply to register a marriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13967/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Section 46 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 provides for the notification of marriages. A couple who wish to marry must attend a registrar’s office and notify the registrar of their intention to marry in writing. Both parties to the marriage are required to provide evidence as to their identities, civil status, age and nationality. If either party was born outside of the State, a birth certificate bearing an apostille stamp from the country of birth is required. This step is necessary to help ensure that the intended marriage is not for unlawful purposes. The requirement is also crucial in combatting the presentation of false documents to registrars.

The Department recognises that the requirement for an apostille stamp on a birth certificate for people born outside the State may result in added costs and extended turnaround times. However, the integrity of the marriage registration process remains paramount and must be maintained.