James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

257. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will expedite a certificate of freedom to marry application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38173/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department issues civil letters of freedom (Certificat de Coutume) to Irish citizens getting married abroad. Details of how to apply can be found at www.dfa.ie/travel/our-services/marriage-and-civil-partnership-abroad/.

This is not an Irish requirement but is a requirement of the country where an applicant may be getting married. All applicants should check whether or not a civil letter of freedom is required. Please note if both partners are Irish citizens, they will both need to fill out separate applications.

Applicants need to submit an online application and pay the relevant fee, print the completed form (MP1) along with the relevant declaration form (MP2A if single), and have this witnessed by a solicitor/a commissioner for oaths/a notary public. These will then need to be posted to the address provided, along with the original birth certificate and copy of passport. If an applicant or their fiancé have ever been divorced the original petition and divorce decree must also be submitted.

An application should be submitted at least four months in advance of the date of the marriage but no more than six months in advance of the date of marriage. If an application is received within 28 days of the intended date of marriage, a late application fee will apply. We do our best to facilitate applicants but do request that applications are sent in four months in advance of the date of marriage.

The Marriages Abroad team in my Department will be glad to discuss the above with the person referred to, who I understand has not yet submitted an application. The contact line is 01-4082523 between 10-12 (Monday- Friday).