Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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527. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reasons his Department does not recognise civil partnerships registered in Northern Ireland between 16 May 2016 and 12 January 2020 for social welfare purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35693/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In order to qualify for Widows and Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension it must be established that the applicant is the widow, widower, or surviving civil partner of the deceased, and that the civil partnership, or marriage, entered into by the parties is one recognised under Irish law.

Following the marriage equality referendum and the subsequent Marriage Act 2015, same sex couples can get married in Ireland. Whilst civil partnerships entered into in Ireland before the commencement of the Marriage Act on 16 November 2015, remain entitled to recognition, no new civil partnerships can be entered into from that date in this jurisdiction.

As a result of these changes in the Marriage Act 2015, civil partnerships entered into after 16 May 2016 outside of this jurisdiction, are not recognised in Ireland.

Civil partnerships entered into outside of this jurisdiction including Northern Ireland after the 16 May 2016 are not recognised in Ireland (Section 5A) of the Civil Partnerships and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants 2010, as amended by Section 13 of the Marriage Act 2015 refers.

The legal framework governing relationships such as marriage and civil partnership is regulated by the Minister for Justice.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.