Legality of marriages at embassies questioned
Wednesday, 10 March 2010 09:48The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that thousands of foreign couples who got married here have been told their unions are invalid and illegal.
It is estimated that up to 3,000 couples, who married in their country's embassies here, could be affected.
This problem dates from the introduction of the 2004 Civil Registration Act, which entered into law on 5 November, 2007.
The Irish Times reports that last week the General Register Office wrote to all foreign embassies, informing them that marriages performed by diplomatic missions were not legal unless they were performed by an authorised registrar and took place in a registered building.
Under international rules, ceremonies deemed illegal in the country they are performed cannot be recognised in the home state.
It is reportedly causing problems for many couples, who have been told they cannot register their children in the names of both married parents, and has sparked a diplomatic row between the Government and several EU states.
They have asked Spain, which currently holds the EU Presidency, to mediate on their behalf.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said they are aware of the problem and are in contact with embassies with a view to resolving the issue.
