James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ban dowries here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There is no Irish law as such prohibiting the giving of a gift to or making a settlement in favour of a bride, a groom or a couple who are to be married, whether or not that gift or settlement is termed a 'dowry'. The term 'dowry' is not defined under Irish law and can have different roles in relation to marriage in different cultures.

The provision of a dowry on the occasion of marriage is a common practice in many countries, societies and cultures.  It has not been unknown in Irish society, particularly in the past.

The Civil Registration (Amendment) Act  2014 deals in part with the issue of marriages of convenience. It provides factors for a Registrar to consider in forming the opinion that a marriage could constitute a marriage of convenience. Section 25 of that Act cites whether or not money was paid as an inducement for a marriage as a factor which may be considered by a Registrar in forming an opinion as to whether a marriage of convenience is in question. However, it excludes from this consideration a case where money is paid as a dowry as appropriate to the culture of one or each party to the intended marriage.

I have no plans at present to bring forward legislation to prohibit the provision of dowries in Ireland. 

However, in the event that specific issues or concerns are brought to my attention by the Deputy or any other person or organisation, I will review the matter.