Illegal Marriages in Irish Embassies

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Thousands of foreign couples who married in their country’s embassies here in Ireland have been told that their unions are invalid and illegal.

According to an Irish Times report, The General Register Office wrote to all foreign embassies last week informing them that under the 2004 Civil Registration Act, which entered into law on 5 November, 2007, marriages must be performed by an authorised registrar and take place in a registered building. Marriages performed by diplomatic missions are not recognised as marriages unless they conformed to this law.

Under international rules, ceremonies deemed illegal in the country they are performed cannot be recognised in the home state, said one diplomat.

This issue is causing problems for many foreign couples, who have been informed that they cannot register their children in the names of both married parents. This may lead to problems in relation to custody, taxation and inheritance issues for the couples involved.

The illegality has caused a diplomatic row between the Government and several EU states. The government has asked Spain – current holder of the EU presidency – to mediate on its behalf.